Algona High School’s Alex Manske is a top quarterback target in the 2025 recruiting classes for both Iowa State and Iowa.
He’s made visits to both programs in recent weeks and the in-state rivals are among a multitude of programs that want to bring in the 6-foot-3, 210-pound prospect.
“You can’t really predict what this would be like,” Manske said. “It’s really cool seeing all the hard work you put in pay off and stuff so it’s been really interesting and I’m really enjoying the whole time and the whole thing about it.”
He holds offers from Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin, but the pair of in-state programs have emerged as frontrunners as well as Nebraska and Kansas State.
“I like Nebraska a lot – I think they have a lot to offer and their coaching staff is really nice – Kansas State, too,” Manske said. “I think those are the four I’m looking at right now, for sure.”
The battle will pick up throughout the winter months in what has turned into an integral race to land the three-star quarterback.
“He’s handled this really well,” Algona coach Andy Jacobson said. “The biggest thing I tell him is to enjoy it, because so many kids wish that they were in the same position that you are and even though it can be stressful, enjoy as much of it as you can.”
“He’s really smart with his reads and taking what the defense gives him,” Jacobson said. “His command of our offense is really impressive – where he can switch plays or flop directions, stuff that I think when I was in high school, I never imagined being able to do. I think his knowledge of the game will benefit him in the college level.”
It could very well pick up in the coming weeks, as well, as players enter the transfer portal and coaches are hired away in the hours before signing day for the 2024 class – that’s just the madhouse December brings in college football these days.
But Iowa State finds itself in the mix, and Manske has been on the field for three home games, including its last two against Texas and Kansas.
Everything was really cool. I’ve gone to plenty of games at Iowa State in my life,” Manske said. “I’ve been to Jack Trice a lot. Obviously, every time you go there, it’s really cool. The facilities are really nice, too.”
During his visit to Ames for the Kansas game, Manske spoke with former Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy.
“It was really cool to meet him,” Manske said. “He just asked me about if I’m committed here and stuff, and said that his fiancé lives about two hours east of where I’m from. It was a really good conversation.”
