Centerville has raced out to a 6-0 record, defeating all of its opponents by at least two scores. Murdock, Prep Redzone Iowa’s top-ranked quarterback in the 2028 Class, has been instrumental in the success. As he has for the last few years, the junior stood out on both sides of the ball during Friday’s 40-6 victory at South Tama County. Murdock completed 8 of 11 throws for 163 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He rushed for 37 yards (6.2 YPC) and a pair of scores. On defense, Murdock delivered a solo tackle and picked off a pass. He’s a developing quarterback with high-end athleticism and speed. Murdock has taken a strong step forward so far in 2026.

I last wrote about Murdock in August when the new rankings for Iowa’s 2028 Class were dropped by Prep Redzone. The Centerville junior checked in as the No. 1 quarterback in the recruiting cycle. It was time to see what Murdock was up to through the first half of the season. He was kind enough to put together a highlight video from the first four games of the campaign. Murdock is a dual-threat behind center as the first two clips illustrate. The first play has him feathering a throw for a touchdown in the red zone, and the second one features him ripping off a long scoring run. Murdock’s projectable frame is still filling out and his developing skills make him a player with a high ceiling.

Murdock held onto the top spot in the most recent Prep Redzone Iowa Class of 2028 quarterback rankings. He did so on the back of a 66-percent completion percentage leading to 2,250 yards and 27 touchdowns against only five interceptions as a sophomore last season. The athleticism is unusual for a signal caller. Murdock rushed for 200 yards and four scores. On defense, he collected 29.0 tackles, 17 of which were solo stops. He registered 2.0 tackles for loss, intercepted six passes and defended three more. The path to present production along with the tremendous upside can be seen during his sophomore highlight video. Murdock can spin the ball, putting it through tight windows or pushing down the field with accuracy. He works through his progressions quickly and shows pocket presence.

Mack Murdock Mack Murdock 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB/DB Centerville | 2028 State IA had an outstanding sophomore campaign as one of the top QBs overall in Iowa in 2025, with his performance from last season skyrocketing his value to become the top overall QB prospect in Iowa for the class of 2028. Murdock completed over 66% of his passes for 2250 yards, 27 TDs, and only 5 INTs while rushing for 200 yards and 4 TDs. A thrilling QB who’s size is an anomaly among the 2A competition, Murdock shows great control in the pocket and has an excellent arm, consistently airing the ball out with a high success rate last season. Murdock shows good footwork and lateral movement out of the pocket, aiding as well toward his success as a DB, where he recorded 6 INTs last season. Murdock is the real deal, and even from a lower conference in the state, Murdock warrants serious attention as a top signal-caller that stands out from the rest of the competition in his class.

The top quarterback in the 2028 rankings to this point, Mack Murdock Mack Murdock 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB/DB Centerville | 2028 State IA is easily the main quarterback prospect to watch going forward in his class, doubling as a stud defensive back, too.

With a frame that stands out on the football field — especially against 2A competition — Murdock is more than just a physical specimen. As one can see in the first clip on his highlight tape from this fall, Murdock can launch the rock. He shows the ability to navigate the pocket, step up and put a ball 45 yards down field on the money multiple times in his film. He can layer the ball around and through multiple defenders to his receivers, he can throw a fade ball to the back shoulder, he can take off and run, and he has two more years of high school ball to grow and develop. As a sophomore, he completed 131-of-198 passes (66.2%) for 2,250 yards, 27 touchdowns and just five picks. He also took 64 carries for 200 yards and four scores.

At the moment, Murdock appears to be a Group of 5 or FCS quarterback, but either way, somebody in the Midwest will be thrilled they took a shot on the smalltown QB that has his team as a way-too-early 2A title contender for 2026.

Murdoch is ranked as the No. 1 signal caller in Iowa’s 2028 Class not only for present production but also a sizable ceiling. He completed more than 66 percent of his throws for 2,250 yards and 27 touchdowns against only five interceptions. He flashed athleticism in rushing for 200 yards and four scores, and by shining on defense. He totaled 29.0 tackles, 17 of which were solo stops. He registered 2.0 tackles for loss, picked off six passes and defended three more. Murdoch shines during his sophomore highlight video. He can make all of the throws with a strong arm. His release is quick as is his ability to get through his progressions. Murdoch puts the ball in advantageous spots for his receivers and can drop it in the bucket. As mentioned, Murdoch’s athleticism would allow him to fit at another position on the next level, but there’s enough upside at quarterback to keep that development ongoing.