When it comes to college recruiting, quarterbacks tend to take a lot of the attention. But in Iowa high school football, players competing at other positions are as highly ranked as any in the country.
MORE: Some of the top non-QBs in Nebraska high school football
From the offensive line to wide receiver to running back to the defensive side of the field, future stars are everywhere you look. And many of them are getting interest from the best college programs around the country.
Here are some of the top non-quarterbacks set to compete in Iowa high school football in 2025:
TOP NON-QUARTERBACK PROSPECTS IN IOWA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Luke Brewer, Norwalk, Tight End
Holding offers from the likes of Iowa, Miami, Notre Dame, Texas A&M and Florida, Brewer is regarded as a future star at tight end. Checking in at almost 6-foot-5, he has excellent blocking skills and great hands.
Jaxx DeJean, OABCIG, Tight End
Yes, he is the younger brother of former Hawkeye and current NFL star Cooper DeJean. But Jaxx is a much different player, as he presents excellent size to go along with the typical DeJean athleticism that both Cooper and South Dakota player Beckett have. Last year, he caught 57 passes for over 600 yards with 10 touchdowns.
Julian Manson, Iowa City West, Linebacker
Despite interest from Miami, Kansas State and others, the Hawkeyes were always the logical choice for Manson, the son of Iowa football analyst and former Hawk Jason Manson. And for good reason, as he recorded 86.5 tackles last year while catching 52 passes for almost 900 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Carter Nielsen, Waterloo West, Offensive Line
Nielsen is an imposing figure, standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 285 pounds. He has already committed to Iowa, which will take him in and make him even bigger and stronger over the next several years, likely ending with an opportunity at the NFL.
Will Slagle, Grinnell, Offensive Line
Already 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, Slagle is ranked as the No. 1 player in Iowa in the Class of 2027 by 247Sports. He holds an offer from Iowa State, where his father and uncle both played, but has also gained interest from Auburn, Arkansas, Iowa and numerous others because of his ability to dominate at the point of contact.
Gavin Stecker, Bettendorf, Linebacker
As just a sophomore last fall, Stecker recorded 58 tackles with 7.5 for loss. That gained him the attention of schools like Iowa, Iowa State and Kansas State, who have all offered the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder.
Kasen Thomas, Sioux City Bishop Heelan, Linebacker
Thomas, an Iowa commit, could be used on the offensive side of the ball based off his production last year for the Crusaders, as he ran for over 1,800 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. But the Hawkeyes want him on defense, as he showed off his skills with 15.5 tackles for loss including 5.5 sacks.
MORE TOP IOWA HIGH SCHOOL QUARTERBACKS:
- Top Iowa high school Class 1A quarterbacks
- Top Iowa high school Class 2A quarterbacks
- Top Iowa high school Class 3A quarterbacks
- Top Iowa high school Class 4A quarterbacks
- Top Iowa high school Class 5A quarterbacks