Editors note: This is the first installment in the eight-part “YPS Top 50” series from Your Prep Sports highlighting 50 of the top returning football players for the 2026 season.

Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

The YPS Top 50 is an eight-story series that highlights 50 of the top returning football players in the Your Prep Sports area for the 2026 season by position group.

The series begins with the most high-profile of all the positions on the field – quarterback.

Over the course of the next several days seven other position groups – running back, pass catchers, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, defensive back and special teams will all be featured.

Here is a look at the top returning quarterbacks in the Your Prep Sports area for the 2026 season.

Reece Wheeler

Senior, West High

Wheeler excelled in his first season leading the West High offense quickly establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the state by putting together one of the best individual seasons by a quarterback in program history.

The 6-foot, 175-pound Wheeler ranked in the top five in 5A in passing yards, passing touchdowns, total passing and rushing yards, total touchdowns, quarterback rating and yards per completion while directing the Trojans to an 8-3 record and a spot in the Class 5A quarterfinals.

Wheeler passed for 2,280 yards and 22 touchdowns with just five interceptions while posting a quarterback rating of 187.1 which ranked second among 5A quarterfinals.

A dual-threat quarterback, Wheeler showed the ability to be effective with his legs rushing for 213 yard and four touchdowns.

Wheeler was accurate, completing 61 percent of his passes (122-of-201) last season while also showing the arm strength to push the ball down the field as he led 5A in yards per completion at 18.7.

With a year of experience under his belt look for another big season from Wheeler as West High looks to build on its success from last fall.

Texton Bollers

Junior, Clear Creek Amana

One of the most exciting quarterback prospects in the state Bollers flashed massive potential in limited action last season as a sophomore.

In five games last season Bollers completed 46 percent of his passes (32-of-70) while throwing for 461 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Bollers also rushed for 259 yards and three touchdowns.

Statistics only tell a small part of the story for Bollers who showed last season he possesses the speed, athleticism and arm strength to be effective both as a passer and a runner.

Bollers made two starts last season passing for a combined 238 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 118 yards and a touchdown starts against Newton and Oskaloosa.

Look for Bollers to use that late-season experience as a boost this season as he attempts to help Clear Creek Amana improve on its 4-5 record from last season.

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