Here is a look at the preseason Top 10 for Class 5A in Iowa high school football.
Iowa High School Preseason Top 10 Class 5A Football Rankings originally appeared on The Sporting News
The big boys of Iowa high school football will battle to finally knock Southeast Polk off the top in Class 5A this fall.
Since the classification was created, the Rams have captured each title. That run includes a stunning victory last year after entering the state playoffs with four losses.
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Will somebody finally end Southeast Polk's run? West Des Moines Valley reached the finals and returns a strong nucleus, long-time rival Dowling Catholic is primed to get back to No. 1 and relative 5A newcomer Iowa City Liberty looks to lead the way from the East against the might CIML programs.
Here is a look at The Sporting News Preseason Class 5A Top 10 in Iowa high school football for the 2025 season:
THE SPORTING NEWS PRESEASON CLASS 5A TOP 10
No. 10 Pleasant Valley
Since going 4-5 in 2019, the Spartans have won 43 games, including a 7-3 record last year. They lose a lot, including 1,200-yard rushers Harrison Fierce and Elijah Rodney, but winning is built in tradition. Graham Rima, Micah Herlich and Dane Cox are among the key players back on defense.
No. 9 Cedar Falls
For the first time in the Bound-era, the Tigers did not win more games than they lost, finishing 5-5. Leyton Wolf, a top basketball recruit, returns after throwing for 1,556 yards and nine touchdowns. Will Remmert was his top receiver last year and is also back after catching 30 passes for 566 yards and five TDs. On defense, Tyler Hermansen, Camden Wroe and Brayden Hanks are among those who shined.
No. 8 Norwalk
It will not be easy, but the Warriors are moving up to 5A with some big-time players. That includes senior-to-be James Hatlevig at quarterback along with Luke Brewer, the top tight end prospect in Iowa. Hatlevig threw for over 1,600 yards with 18 touchdowns while Brewer had 44 catches for 493 yards and two scores. Eli Robbins, a two-way threat, had 589 yards receiving and 325 rushing with 13 combined TDs.
No. 7 Sioux City East
A lot was put on the arm of Cal Jepsen last year and he delivered. For the Black Raiders to do it again, Jepsen will need to duplicate his 2,373 yards and 24 touchdowns. Mandell Groetken, Quintn Ashcraft and Austin Sheppard will have to fill the void left due to graduation.
No. 6 Waukee
Three of Waukee’s four losses last year came to teams that reached the semifinals. Four-year starting quarterback Beckett Bakker is expected to be fully recovery from surgery after throwing 19 TDs. He also rushed for 472 yards and will be flanked by Ben Case Haub in the backfield.
No. 5 Southeast Polk
The players change, but the end result has been the same for the Rams - winning each 5A title since the classification was created. They overcame four regular season losses to win it all last year and will lean on Drew Thompson, Teague Cantrall, Brayden Lewis and Jack Hope.
No. 4 Ankeny Centennial
The Jaguars lost three times last year by a combined 18 points to Southeast Polk and Dowling twice. Leading rusher Braeden Jackson will need to be replaced, as JJ Morgan returns after rushing for 318 yards last year. Carlos Blount, Brandon Bogseth and Houston Luce also return.
No. 3 Iowa City Liberty
Coming off a 10-win season that included a run to the state semifinals, the Lightning will look to do it again. Reece Rettig is back after throwing 32 touchdowns against just three interceptions while piling up 2,719 yards. He also rushed for almost 500 yards, and could be counted on for more of that with the top running backs gone along with his leading three receivers.
No. 2 Dowling Catholic
Before Southeast Polk ruled the largest class in Iowa, the Maroons were kings of the field. Dowling went 10-2 last year, losing to rival Valley in the playoffs. Joey Nahas is set to be back to lead the offense after completing 68 percent of his passes a year ago. Ian Middleton, Cohen Shelton and Sam Drexler are also back on offense along with Joel Sankoh, Jackson Miller and Ryan Bobo on defense. Jeffrey Roberts, an Iowa State commit, will be a welcome addition after transferring from Ames.
No. 1 West Des Moines Valley
The Tigers reached the state finals last year, coming up just short vs. Southeast Polk. The are once again loaded this season with Drake DeGroote returning to lead the offense. DeGroote threw for over 1,800 yards with 24 touchdowns and will have star prospect Jayden McGregory at his disposal. Valley will also have Jayden Brown at wide receiver along with Trent Grevengoed.
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