The 2026 Iowa 3A Playoff Landscape
The state’s Class 3A football playoffs are set to begin, featuring six districts where tradition meets emerging talent. Fans and coaches alike are watching closely as teams finalize rosters and strategies for the upcoming season.
District 1 brings together Sioux Center and Algona as the primary contenders. Sioux Center’s offense will be anchored by quarterback Ezra Hibma, who last season amassed 1,700 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. Algona, meanwhile, hopes a full season with Nathan Manske at the helm can translate into a breakout year after a 4‑5 record.
In District 2, Clear Lake enters as the favorite, bolstered by the dual-threat abilities of Jaxson McIntire, who posted over 1,600 passing yards and added 400 rushing yards a year ago. Iowa Falls‑Alden’s dark‑horse status rests on Karsen Kalous, whose 1,300‑yard passing season paired with 553 rushing yards makes him a versatile weapon.
District 3’s favorite, Dubuque Wahlert Catholic, returns JP Elbert, who combined for 1,600 passing yards and 700 rushing yards while scoring 25 total touchdowns. Central DeWitt adds depth with receiver Jameson Gregoire, who logged 858 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
Solon stands out in District 4 as the top pick, featuring quarterback Maddox Kelley who, alongside Kaden Hoeper, generated nearly 1,400 receiving yards. Across the district, Mount Pleasant’s Grayson Walker is a dark horse, having thrown for 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns in the previous campaign.
District 5’s favorite, Williamsburg, brings back key playmakers Cash Brown and Rogan Ackerman, who contributed 800 yards and seven touchdowns and 540 yards with eight scores respectively. Nevada, fresh off a state championship, returns Colton Pedersen and Tyler Wirtz, positioning them as rising threats.
Carroll leads District 6 with star rusher Adam Malik, who scored 18 touchdowns last year, while Atlantic’s Ethan McNeal offers a dark‑horse narrative after a 1,331‑yard, 14‑touchdown season. Both teams aim to capitalize on their returning talent.
Key Players to Watch
The common thread across all districts is the impact of returning quarterbacks and dual‑sport athletes. Their experience provides a foundation for teams that might otherwise be considered underdogs, suggesting that the playoff picture could shift dramatically as the season unfolds.