Joe Labas NFL Draft: Former Iowa Quarterback Declares for 2026
The Joe Labas NFL Draft journey has officially begun, marking the next chapter for a quarterback whose college career was defined by patience, perseverance, and growth. Former Iowa Hawkeyes signal-caller Joe Labas announced his decision to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft after completing two productive seasons at Central Michigan, closing the book on a winding collegiate path that started in Iowa City and matured in Mount Pleasant.
For Labas, this moment didn’t come overnight. It came through waiting, transferring, learning new systems, and proving he could lead at the FBS level.
Joe Labas NFL Draft: A Journey That Started at Iowa
Joe Labas arrived at Iowa in 2021 as a quarterback prospect looking to carve out his place in one of college football’s most demanding environments. Opportunities were limited. The Hawkeyes already had established starters in Spencer Petras and later Cade McNamara, making the competition for snaps fierce.
Despite the crowded quarterback room, Labas stayed ready. His lone appearance in an Iowa uniform came on one of the program’s biggest stages. In the 2022 Music City Bowl against Kentucky, Labas stepped in and delivered a composed performance in a 21–0 shutout win. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown while adding 11 rushing yards on four carries.
It wasn’t a stat line that screamed superstardom, but it mattered. Bowl games are pressure-packed environments, and Labas showed he could manage the moment, protect the football, and execute a game plan.
Still, with Iowa’s quarterback depth chart set and limited paths to consistent playing time, Labas made a difficult but career-defining decision. He entered the transfer portal.
A Fresh Start at Central Michigan
The move to Central Michigan changed everything. With the Chippewas, Labas finally got what every quarterback needs most: reps. Over two seasons, he became the team’s primary starter and settled into a rhythm that allowed his skill set to flourish.
Across 19 games, Labas threw for 2,968 yards and 20 touchdowns on 241-of-368 passing. He did throw 13 interceptions, but the numbers tell a broader story of growth and responsibility. Central Michigan leaned on him to make reads, push the ball downfield, and manage games in the competitive MAC.
Those seasons weren’t just productive; they were transformative. Labas went from being a depth option at a Big Ten powerhouse to a proven starter leading an offense. That experience matters as he now prepares to enter the professional ranks.
Development, Maturity, and Leadership
One of the most underrated aspects of Labas’ college career is how much he developed between stops. At Iowa, he was learning behind the scenes, absorbing a pro-style system, and understanding the mental demands of the position. At Central Michigan, he applied those lessons in real time.
Teammates and coaches often pointed to his command of the offense and calm demeanor. He wasn’t flashy, but he was steady. He made pre-snap adjustments, extended plays when needed, and showed toughness in the pocket.
That combination of Big Ten preparation and MAC production gives NFL evaluators something to work with. Labas has shown he can adapt, which is often just as important as raw talent.
What the NFL Will See on Film
From an NFL perspective, Labas projects as a developmental quarterback. His arm strength is solid, his accuracy improved with experience, and his willingness to stand in and deliver under pressure stands out. He’s also mobile enough to pick up yards when plays break down, as shown even in his limited Iowa action.
Decision-making will be an area scouts study closely, especially given the interceptions at Central Michigan. But context matters. Labas was asked to shoulder a large offensive load, often pushing throws into tight windows.
For late-round picks and undrafted free agents, the NFL often values resilience and coachability. Labas has both.
Declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft
By declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, Labas is betting on the body of work he built over multiple seasons rather than chasing one more year of college football. It’s a calculated move, one rooted in confidence and timing.
Quarterbacks with extensive college experience and starting reps tend to find opportunities at the next level, whether through the draft or as priority free agents. Training camps, preseason reps, and practice squads are often where careers quietly begin.
Labas understands that path. Nothing about his journey has been handed to him.
Iowa Roots Still Matter
While his final college seasons came elsewhere, Iowa remains an important part of Labas’ story. The discipline, defensive-minded football, and attention to detail he learned in Iowa City shaped his approach to the game.
That Music City Bowl performance still stands as a reminder of what he can do when called upon. For Hawkeyes fans, Labas will always be remembered as a quarterback who stayed ready and delivered when his number was finally called.
What Comes Next
As the pre-draft process ramps up, Labas will focus on workouts, interviews, and showing teams who he is beyond the stat sheet. Pro days, private workouts, and classroom sessions will be just as important as arm strength and footwork.
For quarterbacks like Labas, the NFL dream is about finding the right fit. A team looking for depth, a developmental passer, or a steady presence in the quarterback room could see value in his experience.
The Joe Labas NFL Draft declaration isn’t just the end of a college career. It’s the culmination of years of persistence and the start of a new challenge. Whether his name is called late or he earns his shot as a free agent, Labas has already proven one thing.
He knows how to keep going when the road isn’t easy.
