How the Rankings Were Built
The 2026 Iowa high school football top‑100 rankings, assembled by the Des Moines Register in collaboration with the Iowa City Press‑Citizen and the Ames Tribune, reflect a collective evaluation of coaches and recruiting analysts across the state. Spanning all seven classifications, the list blends headline‑grabbing recruits with statistical leaders, versatile two‑way players and those whose contributions fly under the radar but prove decisive for their teams.
Standout Performers
Carter Barrett Jr. of Dowling Catholic emerges as a dominant force on the line, helping his squad amass over 2,500 rushing yards and 2,400 passing yards en route to a Class 5A championship. Tate Wallace Sr., a linebacker and tight end from Regina, contributed 611 receiving yards, ten touchdowns and nearly 50 tackles, including 18 for loss and eight and a half sacks, guiding his team to a Class 1A runner‑up finish.
Landon Blum Sr. of Woodbine, a wide receiver and defensive end, topped the 8‑player ranks with 1,049 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns, while Jevyn Severson Jr. of Madrid added 407 yards and four scores at tight end.
Isaiah Hansen Sr. of Newton powered his offense with 1,337 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, and Savion Miller Sr., a dual‑threat from Iowa City High, logged more than 1,300 total yards and 25 touchdowns before transferring.
Jerrence Knoblock Sr. of West Lyon anchored a defensive line that helped the team capture back‑to‑back undefeated Class 1A titles, tallying 24 tackles with seven and a half for loss and six and a half sacks.
Recruitment Landscape
The rankings also highlight the varied recruitment trajectories of these athletes, many of whom hold commitments from Division I programs such as Penn State, Iowa State, Minnesota and Iowa. Together, these players illustrate the depth of talent across Iowa’s high school football landscape and the growing opportunities for athletes to showcase their abilities on a national stage.