Vote: Iowa high school football Class 5A player of the year

In our final fan-led vote for player of the year in Iowa high school football, we offer up the Class 5A division - the state's largest.

MORE: Vote for the Iowa high school football 4A player of the year

We have discussed and offered up the best nominees for the award from The Sporting News. Cast your vote between now and October 31, 2025 for your favorite.

Vote for The Sporting News Class 5A Iowa high school football player of the year

Voting is unlimited, so return as often as you like for your favorite.

Here are the nominees for The Sporting News Iowa high school football Class 5A player of the year.

Nominees for The Sporting News Class 5A Iowa High School Football Player of the Year

Mack Heitland, Waukee Northwest: The 5A leader in passing yards with 2,399, Heitland also has 26 TDs with no interceptions, completing 81 percent of his passes.

Reece Wheeler, Iowa City West: In his first season as the starter, the junior has thrown for 1,850 yards and 21 touchdowns with just three picks.

Joey Nahas, Dowling Catholic: The QB of the No. 1 team in 5A, Nahas has dominated with almost 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns.

James Hatlevig, Norwalk: The senior has 20 touchdown passes and just two interceptions on 226 attempts, throwing for 1,610 yards.

Jaden Montgomery, Dubuque Hempstead: The 5A rush leader with 1,329 yards, he also has scored 18 touchdowns.

Daniel Larmie, Ankeny: Competing against some of the best in 5A, Larmie has racked up 1,264 yards on the ground and 12 touchdowns.

Stanley Cooper, Southeast Polk: Cooper is the top option for the Rams, averaging nine yards per carry while piling up 1,111 and 14 rushing scores.

Ethan Headings, Iowa City West: Headings surpassed 1,000 yards receiving with 1,062 on 41 receptions with 13 touchdowns.

Melakhi Hickey, Waterloo West: Hickey helped Waterloo West qualify for the playoffs, recording 12.5 sacks among his 15.5 tackles for loss and 31 stops.

David Fason, Cedar Rapids Prairie: Fason has produced a number of ways, including with 10 sacks and a mind-boggling 31 tackles for loss.

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