Making the jump from your freshman to sophomore season can be a key one for a high school football player.
MORE: Latest Midwest high school football Top 25 rankings from The Sporting News
You become more dependable for your coaches and teammates, and you now have experience if you were able to get on the field as a ninth-grader.
But with all of that comes more responsibility. These Iowa high school football sophomores have lived up to the billing, delivering for their respective team this past fall.
Vote for the Iowa high school football sophomore of the year
Here are the nominees for the Iowa high school football sophomore of the year. Voting is unlimited and will run through Monday, October 27, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
Nominees for Iowa high school football sophomore of the year
Mack Murdock, Centerville: Murdock had an incredible year throwing the football, completing 70 percent of his passes for 2,119 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also picked off six passes on defense.
Jadyn Burton, Keokuk: Along with recording 23 touchdown passes, Burton threw for 1,907 yards.
Colin Willis, Roland-Story: Willis put together a big season, throwing for 1,777 yards with 21 touchdown passes.
Jax Steger, Edgewood-Colesburg: Steger stepped right in and dominated, racking up 23 TD passes with just two interceptions while throwing for 1,329 yards.
Braxdyn Tucker, East Union: Tucker completed 61 percent of his throws for 1,009 yards and 19 touchdowns in the air.
Brekken Miller, Ankeny Centennial: The bright lights of 5A football did not bother Miller, as he threw for 11 TDs and 942 yards.
Jayden Nanthan, West Burlington-Notre Dame: Nanthan posted over seven yards per carry, recording 1,276 yards total and 10 scores.
Braydan Doss, Lewis Central: After a strong freshman campaign, Doss came back with another big year, rushing for 1,229 yards and 14 touchdowns at almost nine yards per carry.
Abe McGill, Woodbury Central: McGill shouldered the offensive load for his team, rushing 193 times for 1,044 yards and 15 TDs.
Braxton Parks, Council Bluffs Jefferson: It was a record-setting year for Parks, as he caught 47 passes for 686 with 10 TDs.
Abram Decena, Centerville: One of the top targets for Murdock, Decena had 41 receptions for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 18 per catch.
Isaiah Lange, Mount Pleasant: Lange was a force on defense, registering 12.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss
Eaghan Fleshman, Alburnett: Fleshman caused problems for offenses all year, recording 23 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
Tristen Wingate, Sibley-Ocheyedan: It was tough to throw on Wingate, as he picked off six passes, defended five more and had a defensive touchdown.
