TXHSFB Teams with the LEAST Returning Defensive Starters in 2026
Texas high school football teams with the least returning defensive starters in 2026 include Southlake Carroll, Celina, Leander, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff and Pasadena Dobie.
Southlake Carroll
Defensive coordinator Lee Munn took over for decorated head coach Riley Dodge this offseason. Ironically, his biggest offseason task is reloading a defense with zero returning starters. Senior Blake Gunter (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) had 1,224 receiving yards, but he can also play multiple defensive positions. Look for Landon Harris (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) to take over Mike LB duties after posting 45 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack. Munn believes the defensive line will be a strength of the team. That unit is deep but relatively unproven with exciting playmakers like DeMarcus Ware Jr. (yes, that DeMarcus Ware), DE Dez Taholo, DT Laione Vianuku, DL Mapa Vainuku, and versatile DE Kyle Duross.
Brownsville Porter
Last year, Brownsville Porter made the playoffs for the first time since 2015. If you’re going to return just one starter, it’s a good thing it’s First Team All-District inside linebacker Ethan De La Cruz. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound athlete had 74 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries as a junior. He will be tasked with getting all the new starters lined up correctly at the start of the season.
Canyon West Plains
Coach Adam Cummings departed this offseason to become the Executive Director of Schools and Leadership at Canyon ISD. In addition to its head coach, West Plains also lost a historic senior class, the first to attend the school for all four years of high school. After three straight seasons in which they made at least the fourth round of the playoffs, the Wolves will look to a lot of young pups in 2026. Senior LB Cash Lofton (5-foot-10, 225 pounds) is the lone starter back on defense. Lofton is an all-state caliber player who had 143 tackles and 16 tackles for loss. He will be a three-year starter.
Corpus Christi Flour Bluff
The Hornets have had a double-digit win season in five of the last six years and were recently named one of the state’s most underrated teams by DCTX. A double-digit win season in 2026 would be one of Clynt Elwood’s most impressive coaching jobs yet, after losing ten defensive starters. The good news is that District Defensive Newcomer of the Year Raymond Aguilar returns at safety. The 6-foot, 180-pound rising senior had 54 tackles, five pass breakups, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.
Leander
Leander has not made the playoffs since 2013, but Coach Kris Price believes his Lions will contend for a postseason spot. Senior DB Trysten Adames (6-foot, 170 pounds) is the lone returning starter and leading tackler with 29 stops. LB Griffin Sisk (6-foot, 200 pounds) was a close second as a sophomore with 26.
Pasadena Dobie
Dobie’s seven-year playoff streak was snapped in 2025, but Coach Daniel Fitzmorris believes his Longhorns can get back on track behind a strong junior class. Dobie has athletes all over the field with 6-foot-3, 205-pound DE RJ Robinson and 46-foot triple-jumper Dakarai Parker at defensive back. Junior LB Jyles Washington (5-foot-8, 185 pounds) should make a big impact after moving up from JV. Fitzmorris says Washington plays with his hair on fire.
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