SSI Football: Off-Season Update! More Players To Know Ahead Of The 2026 HS Football Season!

I continue to write articles as the calendar flips to March! Spring is soon to arrive. Here are some athletes that I feel will have an impact this upcoming 2026 season. Thanks to our great sponsor Jersey Mike's for their support!

SR. QB EASTON DEJONG 6-3 (180) of West Lyon is a nice dual threat QB having passed for (1,300) yards and (16) touchdowns. DeJong also tacked on (558) rush yards and (9) touchdowns for a tradition rich program that has won back to back state titles and are 35-2 over the last three seasons. Head coach Jay Rozeboom who is (35-2) over the last three seasons has several key players back. The pieces are in place to make a push for a 3-peat this coming fall.

SR. QB JACKSON VERSCHOOR 6-0 (190) of Woodbury Central will step into the huddle as a two-year starter who has passed for (3,999) yards and (30) touchdowns heading into his senior season. Verschoor has good command of the Wildcat offense and is well coached by the offensive staff led by OC Ryan Kluender. Head coach Kurt Bremer is a remarkable (49-8) over the last five seasons. Verschoor has some nice weapons in senior WR Jaylen Lloyd (49) receptions for (785) yards while averaging (16.0) YPC. Electric junior RB Abe McGill returns following a (1,300) yard and (17) touchdown rushing campaign in 2025.

JR. WR/SLOT TANNER BOONSTRA 5-11 (170) of Sioux City East was a young puppy last fall and had a very impressive sophomore season considering the Black Raiders had at least (3) D-1 prospects at the skill positions. Boonstra snagged (36) receptions for (472) yards and (5) scores. Boonstra has a great football IQ and understands the nuances of the position. I look for Boonstra to have an explosive junior season and turn himself into a high level college prospect.

SR. RB IAN LOFFLIN 5-8 (170) of Sioux City North returns to the lineup after an injury cut his season short as he missed the final 5 games of the year. Lofflin was off to a good start having rushed for (223) yards while averaging (6.4) yards per carry. Head Coach Mitch Mohr will also be happy to get back athletic junior QB Trey Henry who was injured in the first game of the year and did not return. Senior captain WR/DB Andrew Hagan 6-4 (200) returns after collecting (17) receptions for (165) yards. Hagan also is the top returning tackler with (43.5) stops last fall. Other impact players include junior Finn Kuehl and senior TE/DE Zach Hagan for the Stars.