We’ve had Manson ranked among the top players in the 2026 class for years, and the Trojan standout has solidified that position with his performance on the field. An impact player on both sides of the ball, basically since he was a freshman, Manson has added physicality to the high-end athleticism that’s always been present. He put his talents on display again during an in-person scouting opportunity on Oct. 17, 2025 at Cedar Rapids Prairie. Manson hauled in a 77-yard touchdown pass, during which he did much of the work. He also piled up 9.0 tackles (6 solo, 1.0 TFL). Beyond the impressive statistics he’s amassed during his prep career, Manson just looks like a special athlete when he’s playing the game. His solid frame, speed and instincts for the sport will serve him well at the University of Iowa. The Hawkeyes will be benefit greatly from him staying home.

The top linebacker in the state and an Iowa commit, Julian Manson Julian Manson 6'4" | 175 lbs | LB Iowa City West | 2026 State IA looks like he was designed in a test tube to play Power Four football. Long, strong, fast and aggressive, Manson is physically set to grow into an NFL backer, especially under the tutelage of Iowa LBs coach, Seth Wallace, at the next level.

With how little Manson and the Iowa City West defense were on the field, he finished with just 5.5 tackles, but he filled gaps and was one of the main reasons City High’s run game struggled to get going.

Not a huge presence on the outside as a receiver on Friday night, Manson made his impact on offense as the Wildcat formation quarterback, taking a seven-yard rush in for a score.

Back again after making the top returning receivers list, it’s no shock to see Julian Manson Julian Manson 6'4" | 175 lbs | LB Iowa City West | 2026 State IA once again, this time amongst the top tacklers in all of Class 5A.

With 86.5 total tackles last season, Manson possesses the length, physicality and athleticism to almost always have a play on the ball at the center of the Trojan defense. Projecting to the mike linebacker spot at Iowa, Manson has the football IQ to fill the role, but is also genetically gifted as the son of Jason Manson, former Iowa quarterback/wide receiver and current assistant at Iowa.

Manson should be among the most productive players in 5A on both sides of the ball this fall for Iowa City West — not only as a mainstay on defense, but as a pass-catcher offensively.

One of the most productive two-way players in the state last season and committed to Iowa to play linebacker, Julian Manson Julian Manson 6'4" | 175 lbs | LB Iowa City West | 2026 State IA is one of the top-tier football players the state has seen in a while.

Between 53 catches for 867 yards and 13 touchdowns, along with a team-leading 86.5 tackles, the legacy Hawkeye and son of Jason Manson is set up for a ridiculous senior campaign on both sides of the ball.

As a pass-catcher, Manson uses his physicality on the line of scrimmage, paired with his burst, top-end speed and ball skills to be one of the top receivers in the state. With former teammate Mason Woods moving on to Iowa this season, Manson should get the bulk of the catches in the Iowa City West passing game.