The #2 Sophomore In Iowa: Will Slagle

Will Slagle is a 4 Star recruit who plays Interior Offensive Line at Grinnell High School. Slagle is ranked as the 181st best recruit in the class of 2027 and is ranked as a top 10 Interior Offensive Lineman in the class as well. In addition, Slagle is listed as the #2 recruit in the state of Iowa and is listed as the #1 Interior Offensive Lineman in the state of Iowa. He holds offers from schools such as Auburn, Iowa State and Missouri.

Who are some role models in your life?
One of the biggest role models in my life was my grandpa. He showed me what hard work really looks like. He didn’t have many resources, but his work ethic carried him far—and that’s always stuck with me.

What artists do you listen to pregame to get you hyped up?
Before games, I listen to Koe Wetzel, Treaty Oak Revival, and a little Turnpike Troubadours. In the locker room, we usually turn on some rap to get everyone locked in.

What are the strengths of your game?
My biggest strength is my versatility. I can run block, pass set, and pull. I take pride in doing whatever is asked of me and consistently executing play after play.

What is your favorite memory of your career?
I’ve got a few. One was my first varsity game freshman year—I started at nose tackle and was almost having a panic attack. It felt like a huge leap from 8th grade, but once the game started, everything else faded. By halftime, I was moved to right tackle and held that spot the rest of the year.
Another favorite was our overtime win against Benton Community during homecoming. I didn’t even know the high school overtime rules, but we pulled it off when they missed a game-winning field goal.
My sophomore year was full of memories, especially playing with the senior class. The toughest moment came after we dominated Fairfield but found out we missed the playoffs. That hit hard—knowing it was our last game together.

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with or against?
Brennen Blegen from Benton Community (now at North Dakota) or Derek Weisskopf from Williamsburg (now at Iowa) are the best I’ve played against.
The best teammate I’ve had is Broc Heishman. He pushed the team every day and kept everyone focused. When my grandpa passed away before the Solon game, Broc was there for me through it all. He’s a senior now, committed to Sioux Falls, and one of my best friends. You can’t replace a guy like Broc—greatness is about more than talent. It’s about character, and he showed me that first-hand.

What advice would you give to an aspiring D1 athlete?
Keep working and always stay hungry. Have a dream, but don’t ever feel like you’ve “made it.” Once you reach one goal, set a new one. The grind never stops.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Northern Ireland—where my grandma is from. My family has a lot of history there. But honestly, I’m not much of a traveler—give me a weekend at the Iowa State Fair and I’m good.

How old were you when you fell in love with the game?
I’ve loved football since I was little. My dad and uncle both played at Iowa State, and we went to games whenever we could. Spending weekends in Ames made me fall in love with college football.

If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?
I’d want to meet someone who came from a farming background and a small town like me—someone who’s proved they belong. Guys like Riley Reiff, Chad Greenway, Grey Zabel, Spencer Brown, Cooper DeJean, and Trevor Penning inspire me. Coaches have said I play “B-level” competition, but players like them show it’s not about where you’re from—it’s about what you bring.

What’s your favorite sports moment as a fan?
Iowa State beating Oregon in the 2021 Fiesta Bowl. That was huge. I’ve got a lot of great college football memories, but that one stands out the most.