Newton gave eventual unbeaten state champion Xavier one of its toughest fights of the season in the semifinals. The Cardinals boasted talent up and down the roster that contributed to the memorable run. Hansen was chief among them. He rushed for 1,337 yards (8.1 YPC) and 18 touchdowns, and added 15 catches for 216 yards and another score. Iowa State’s previous staff offered Hansen a scholarship. The new Cyclone coaches re-offered, and he committed to the program in early March. Hansen is an excellent athlete with speed. His projectable frame gives him room to film out in a college strength program, where he’ll add power to his smooth running style. Hansen glides with long strides after using keen vision and burst to jet through creases. He runs crisp routes and has potential to be a dangerous pass catcher out of the backfield. He also packs potential to stand out on defense.

A balanced back that specializes in making tacklers miss, staying up right and out-running the defense, Isaiah Hansen Isaiah Hansen 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Newton | 2027 State IA will be a contender to lead 4A, along with the other larger classes in the state, in rushing this fall. Committed to Iowa State, Hansen was teammates with Klein last season, adding to the dynamic offense the Cardinals’ fielded night in and night out in 4A. Reaching the semifinals at state, a miracle come back by Xavier was required to overtake one of the top offenses the state had seen, and Hansen was a key part in Newton’s run ot Cedar Falls.

Last season, Hansen’s 165 carries for 1,337 yards and 18 touchdowns had him finish tied for third in rushing scores and sixth in yards rushing. He’ll also be 4A’s second-leading returner in all-purpose yards with 1,559. Without Klein returning, Hansen could be in line for an even bigger load to carry offensively for the Cardinals this fall, giving him a strong case to represent Newton once again next spring.

Hansen enjoyed a strong summer impressing college coaches on the camp circuit. Iowa State offered him a scholarship in June. I got a chance to scout him in person later in the 2025 season and witness the potential that’s earning him attention from Power 4 schools. Newton employs him as a running back, where his speed and quick-twitch athleticism makes him a threat to house any carry. As a taller back, Hansen does a nice job keeping his pads low in creating and maintaining leverage. His long strides chew up a lot of real estate and keen vision allows for positive gains between the tackles. Running back could be Hansen’s future at the next level, but his skill set would work at other positions, too.