Ankeny quarterback Luke Anderson played in the Class 5A state championship game a year ago.
Now, the senior will be joining a collegiate program that often competes for national titles.
Anderson announced on Friday that he has verbally committed to play football at Northwestern College, which has played in three of the last four NAIA championship games and won the title in 2022.
“I’m super excited to announce my commitment to Northwestern College,” Anderson tweeted on X. “Thank you to my family for being there for me throughout this whole journey. Also, I want to thank coach Bauer, coach Walz and coach Ferkin for making me a better player and person. I’m also thankful for Jason Hill, coach Mo, coach Tucker and coach Shawn. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the teammates I have had either. Most importantly, I’m grateful for God blessing me with this opportunity. Just the start, Go Red Raiders.”
Anderson passed for 31 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards in his high school career. He helped the Hawks to a 24-11 record over the last three seasons.
Anderson completed 153-of-251 passes as a senior, earning all-district honorable mention. He threw for 1,694 yards and 11 touchdowns as Ankeny went 6-5 and reached the quarterfinals of the Class 5A playoffs.
In 2023, Anderson helped the Hawks to a 9-4 mark and a runner-up finish in Class 5A. He completed 172-of-269 passes for 2,243 yards and 19 touchdowns while earning first-team all-district honors.
The Red Raiders are 7-2 this season heading into Saturday’s game against Briar Cliff.
“I was looking at a few (schools) in the same conference and a few D3 schools so it wasn’t easy,” Anderson said. “Northwestern is a successful program with great coaches. Also, it is a great college and an opportunity for me to grow in my faith.”