The Des Moines Register has released its eagerly anticipated ranking of the top 25 Iowa high school football juniors for the 2026 season, a list that zeroes in on prospects who have already attracted serious attention from major college programs, including several from the SEC.
Standout Performers
Among the highlighted names is Jevyn Severson, a 6‑foot‑5 tight end from Madrid who last season amassed 407 receiving yards and four touchdowns while also contributing 39.5 tackles on defense. Carter Barrett, a 6‑6 offensive tackle from Dowling, helped his squad capture the Class 5A state championship in 2025, a team that logged over 5,000 yards of offense. Both players have secured offers from prominent SEC schools, underscoring their national appeal.
The rankings also recognize other standout athletes such as Isaiah Grant, a 6‑2 wide receiver from Sioux City East who averaged 15.6 yards per catch and scored eight touchdowns, and James Barnett, a 6‑2 lineman from Iowa City West whose family ties to Iowa football run deep as the son of offensive line coach George Barnett. Barnett’s contributions helped his team rush for 2,113 yards and pass for 2,346 yards in 2025.
Depth Beyond the Top Ten
Beyond the headline names, the list extends to players 16 through 25 who, while not detailed with extensive metrics, represent a deep pool of talent that could become pivotal in the coming years. Defensive standouts like Brian Robertson from Cedar Rapids Washington, who posted 22 tackles with 4.5 for loss and two sacks, and Josh Lampe from Newton, a defensive back who recorded 36.5 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble, round out a comprehensive picture of Iowa’s emerging football landscape.
The Register’s methodology blends game film analysis, direct coach feedback and on‑the‑ground observations, ensuring that the rankings reflect both statistical performance and the intangible qualities coaches value. As the 2026 season approaches, these recruits are poised to shape not only their high school teams but also the next wave of college football talent across the nation.