SSI Football: Off-Season Update! More Players To Know Prior To 2026 Season!

In continuing my player updates/profiles of some key players in the Siouxland area here are some game changers that will have impactful seasons for their respective teams!

SR. XAVIER JONES 6-2 (220) MLB of Sergeant Bluff-Luton is coming off a very impressive junior season where he collected (70.0) tackles and (10.5) TFL. Jones HUDL tape features his football IQ and his closing speed from his LB position. You can see on the tape here https://t.co/adaz0QRLXn where he demonstrates his athleticism by shadowing the opposing QB. Jones can run sideline to sideline to make plays at all levels of the defense and takes good pursuit angles to the football. Jones has offers from UNI, USD as well as SDSU. I look for more schools to offer this spring/summer.

SR. RAIF JENSEN 6-0 (190) QB/CB/ATH of OABCIG is coming off a solid junior season where he passed for (1,279) yards and (10) touchdowns. Jensen also rushed for (529) yards and (9) scores on the ground. Jensen's top two receving targets return with Iowa Hawkeye TE commit senior Jaxx DeJean (36) catches for (491) yards and (6) scores and fellow classmate J.J. Parks (32) receptions for (359) yards and (2) scores. Jensen is a CB prospect at the college level and had (34.5) tackles and missed two games due to injury. Jensen is currently drawing interest from Iowa State, Wyoming, USD and UNI.

JR. DYLAN KNAPP 5-10 (160) WR/CB of Bishop Heelan had a very good sophomore season as he flashed with (55.5) tackles and (2.0) TFL. Knapp is a young player with a high upside for the Crusaders.

SR. JONATHAN HOPE 5-9 (150) WR/CB of Bishop Heelan was impressive last fall on both sides of the football. Hope had (19) receptions for (237) yards and (3) scores. On defense, Hope had (48) tackles and led the team with (3) interceptions. Hope made some key plays in post-season play and will look to carry that momentum into 2026.

SR. MALLON MALAUSKY 6-2 (205) OL/LB of Cherokee earned all-state honors while racking up (86.0) tackles and (9.0) TFL. Malausky will be the leading returning tackler for the Braves in 2026.