Des Moines, Iowa – With more than two‑thirds of the 2026 regular season completed, Iowa high school football programs are gearing up for the final stretch before the playoffs. The latest committee and RPI rankings reveal the top ten teams in each class as the state heads into week 8.
Class 5A – Powerhouses in the mix
The committee‑ranked 5A class is led by Southeast Polk, which boasts a perfect 7‑0 record and a .7039 rating. Close behind are Johnston (6‑1, .7008) and Ankeny (6‑1, .6653). Dowling Catholic also holds a 6‑1 record with a .6638 rating, while Sioux City East (5‑2, .5977) rounds out the top five.
Class 4A – Two teams remain unbeaten
In 4A, both Xavier and Sergeant Bluff‑Luton sit at 7‑0, earning the highest RPI scores in the class (.7006 and .6960 respectively). Carlisle also maintains a flawless record (7‑0, .6671). Western Dubuque (6‑1, .6418) and Spencer (5‑2, .6119) complete the leading pack.
Class 3A – Four undefeated squads
Four teams in 3A have not tasted defeat. Solon leads with a .7068 rating, followed by Des Moines Christian (.6714), Mount Pleasant (.6631) and Clear Lake (.6295). West Delaware (6‑1, .6268) and Mount Vernon (6‑1, .6212) are the next highest‑rated teams.
Class 2A – Committee rankings
The 2A committee placed CL/GLR at the top with a 7‑0 record, followed by Alburnett and Van Meter (both 6‑1). Spirit Lake (5‑2) and Kuemper Catholic (6‑1) round out the leading group.
Class 1A – Undefeated leaders
In 1A, Iowa City Regina and Aplington‑Parkersburg both sit at 7‑0, as does Northeast. West Lyon and Treynor each hold a 6‑1 record, keeping the race tight.
Class A – Multiple perfect records
Class A features several unbeaten programs: Woodbury Central, West Sioux, Saint Ansgar, St. Albert, Madrid and West Fork all stand at 7‑0. East Buchanan and North Linn each have a 6‑1 record.
Eight‑player – All‑time greats
The eight‑player division is dominated by undefeated squads, including Audubon, Iowa Valley, Woodbine, Bedford, Bishop Garrigan and Gladbrook‑Reinbeck. North Union (6‑1) and Kingsley‑Pierson (6‑1) also remain near the top.
These rankings set the stage for the upcoming weeks as teams vie for favorable playoff positioning. Coaches, parents and fans across the state will be watching closely, especially as the regular season winds down and the excitement builds for the postseason.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
