Iowa Recruits Shine in Preseason Top 65 High School Football Rankings
The 2026 high school football season kicks off Thursday, Aug. 20, and the annual preseason rankings highlight several players with ties to Iowa, including a standout quarterback who holds an offer from the Hawkeyes. The list, compiled by the Ventura County Star, ranks the top 65 players in the Southern California area, with several names that should interest Iowa football fans.
Which players in the rankings have Iowa connections?
The most notable Iowa connection comes from Jaxson Carper, a 6-foot-3, 160-pound quarterback at St. Bonaventure High School. Carper enters his junior season with offers from UCLA, Nebraska, and Iowa, having already attempted more than 400 varsity passes. He ranks No. 15 on the preseason list.
Carper's experience and growing offer list make him a player to watch for Hawkeye recruiting fans. His ability to lead an offense at a young age has drawn attention from multiple Power Five programs.
Who tops the preseason rankings?
Isaiah Phelps of Pacifica takes the No. 1 spot after a dominant junior season. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year led the state with 232 tackles while powering the Tritons to Marmonte League, CIF-Southern Section Division 3, and CIF-State Division 1A regional titles. Phelps, committed to San Diego State, also contributes as a running back.
Teammate Taylor Lee ranks No. 2. The 6-foot-2, 189-pound quarterback committed to Portland State in June after breaking Ventura County records with 53 touchdown passes in a season and eight in a single game.
Oaks Christian defensive lineman Alifeleti Tuihalamaka takes the No. 3 spot. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound USC commit recorded eight sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss as a junior.
What other top prospects should Iowa fans know?
Several other players on the list have drawn significant recruiting attention:
- Charles Davis, Westlake (No. 4): The 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver caught 30 passes as a junior, with 11 going for touchdowns. The four-star recruit committed to UC Berkeley in April.
- Caleb Pasina, St. Bonaventure (No. 5): The 6-foot-4, 290-pound junior lineman has more than 15 offers, including UCLA, Cal, and Texas A&M.
- Demare Dezeurn, Westlake (No. 6): The speedy senior wideout amassed 1,372 receiving yards and 27 total touchdowns last year at Palisades High.
- Tony Dargan, St. Bonaventure (No. 7): The freshman playmaker already has offers from Oregon and UCLA after recording 1,142 all-purpose yards, 10 touchdowns, and two interceptions.
- Kingston Celifie, Calabasas (No. 8): The UCLA commit brings 111 receptions for 1,584 yards and 19 touchdowns into his senior season.
Which other quarterbacks made the list?
Beyond Carper, several quarterbacks earned spots in the rankings. Ford Green of Westlake ranks No. 22 after winning his first 10 starts as a freshman, throwing for 2,195 yards and 31 touchdowns. He already holds offers from Ohio State, Michigan, and Florida State.
Bryson Kennedy of Oak Park ranks No. 16. The 6-foot-3 sophomore arrived from Little Rock, Arkansas, and holds offers from Arkansas, Auburn, and Missouri.
Riley Williams of Grace ranks No. 29 as the highest-volume passer in Ventura County not named Taylor Lee. The senior threw for 3,668 yards and 48 touchdowns last year.
What does this mean for Iowa football recruiting?
While these players are based in California, the Hawkeyes' interest in Carper signals Iowa's continued effort to recruit quarterbacks with significant varsity experience. Iowa has historically found success developing quarterbacks, and Carper's early offer list suggests he could be a priority target.
The rankings also highlight the depth of talent in Southern California, a region Iowa occasionally mines for recruits. As the 2026 season progresses, Iowa fans should keep an eye on Carper and any other prospects who may visit Iowa City.
How can Iowa fans follow the 2026 season?
The high school football season begins Thursday, Aug. 20, with Buena playing Castaic at Valencia High. For Iowa fans interested in tracking Carper and other prospects, following the Ventura County Star's coverage provides updates throughout the fall.
Joe Curley covers football for The Star and can be reached at joe.curley@vcstar.com. Dominic Massimino is a staff writer for The Star and can be reached at dominic.massimino@vcstar.com.