Magazine Pick: Sheldon C.E. King
"The Panthers knocked on the door last year; this year, with the fastest team in Texas, they kick it all the way in."
Tepper's Pick: Sheldon C.E. King over Denton Guyer
"Sheldon C.E. King is fresh off their best season in program history, and it was one of the best first-year head coaching jobs we've ever seen from Cory Laxen. And, oh by the way, they are absolutely loaded with playmakers once again."
Stepp's Pick: Sheldon C.E. King over North Crowley
"Sheldon C.E. King has the deepest running back room in the state with three potential Division I running backs. They've got a quarterback who transferred in from Fort Bend Hightower (Khylan Davis) who I like a lot. I think the defensive line was young and extremely talented last year.
If there are questions about C.E. King, I would say it's the offensive line and secondary. There's relative inexperience there."
Carter's Pick: Sheldon C.E. King over Denton Guyer
When we had head coach Cory Laxen on our Dave Campbell's Road Tour live from Dick's House of Sport, we asked him how excited he was for the Week 10 game against Humble Summer Creek that we were broadcasting.
"I'm not there yet," Laxen said. "We've got Conroe Week 1."
In that moment, I saw how he led C.E. King to the state title game in his first year as head coach. He has the perfect combination of swagger – deep voice, hulking figure, half-sleeve tattoo – and steadiness. As the offensive line coach on four state championship teams at Galena Park North Shore, I think he has the perfect temperament to handle preseason state championship expectations and the recipe for how to get back to AT&T Stadium.
Magazine Pick: DeSoto
"The Eagles' drop down to 5A is a seismic shift, and they take advantage, bringing home their fourth title in five seasons."
Tepper's Pick: DeSoto over Smithson Valley
"It's easy to look at Region II and say 'Oh, the DeSoto region!' But take a look at our top 25 teams in 5A DI, and you'll find nine teams in Region II.
They've got that dude in SaRod Baker. The Texas Tech commit has been absolutely outrageous. I'm not sure I've ever seen a player hit a different gear in the playoffs like SaRod Baker last year. If you don't know, DeSoto head coach Claude Mathis is still the all-time leading rusher in Texas State history. He was an unbelievable running back. He'll tell you, 'I'm hard on running backs.' He'll also tell you, 'This guy (Baker) is different.'
Now, they've got to find a quarterback now that Legend Howell has graduated, because it can't just be the SaRod Baker Show, as good as he has been. But let me tell you something, their defense is going to have some freaking war daddies, especially on the front seven.
This is a compliment to DeSoto and how highly we think of them – I think they're the clear favorite in 8-5A DI, and I think 8-5A DI is going to be a lot of fun."
Stepp's Pick: DeSoto over Richmond Randle
"This may be the best state championship running back matchup ever. SaRod Baker versus Landen Williams-Callis in their final Texas high school football game ever. The storylines... journalists, you're welcome.
SaRod Baker last year in the playoffs reminded me of Cedric Benson. I was just a kid when Cedric Benson was doing it from Midland Lee. But I had the same feeling watching Baker – they're not going to lose with him. The state semifinal against Southlake Carroll could've been the game, but SaRod Baker just wore you down until you didn't want to tackle him anymore by the fourth quarter. Now, you can't ride SaRod Baker for 16 games this year, especially with his running style. You've almost got to put him on a pitch count during the regular season.
The question with DeSoto, aside from quarterback – which, by the way, if you get in a pinch, you can put SaRod Baker at quarterback. But they're very young at receiver after graduating Boobie Feaster, who went to USC. The secondary is going to have some question marks with youth. But I don't worry about DeSoto finding guys in the secondary. It's traditionally a program that's produced top-notch guys in the secondary."
Carter's Pick: Richmond Randle over Frisco Lone Star
Landen Williams-Callis was the first solo high school athlete on the Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine cover since Cedric Benson at Midland Lee. As the writer who was fortunate enough to chronicle his football story, I can not – will not – listen to Landen describe how motivated he was to avenge last year's state championship loss and break the all-time career rushing yards record, then pick against him. We put AT&T Stadium in the reflection of his glasses on the cover of the magazine, for crying out loud!
In last year's playoff run, I believe Richmond Randle became too reliant on Landen Williams-Callis, especially since he was playing at about 75% with a deep bone bruise. I think they'll be less one-dimensional in 2026 with WR Kamar Chavez-Brown (1,125 total yards, nine touchdowns). Brian Randle also told us at THSCA Coaching School he believes this is the best offensive line he's had at Randle.
Magazine Pick: South Oak Cliff
"The Golden Bears become the third UIL program to reach six-straight title games, and win a fourth title in this decade."
Tepper's Pick: South Oak Cliff over Boerne
"Teams don't make five state championship games in a row. And the teams that do make five consecutive state championship games aren't Dallas ISD teams. What Jason Todd and his staff have built is really remarkable.
For the first time in any point during this run, I don't have any questions at quarterback. Jayden Williams (Stephen F. Austin commit) took that step last year. They won because their team was excellent, and also, they won because the thing they could do in 2025 that they couldn't do in 2024: throw the ball consistently. I think their offensive line is going to be pretty good, per usual, with Brian Swanson (Texas commit). It's one of the best-coached offensive lines in the state.
The concerns I have are on the edges of both sides of the ball: corners, edge rushers, and outside linebackers on defense. And also, for a team with a great quarterback, they're basically totally unknown at the skill spots.
They've also got a new defensive coordinator. Kyle Ward was the Warden of the 'Death Row Defense' that was so fantastic for them. He's off to SMU coaching cornerbacks. They promoted Domenic Spencer, who was fundamentally the assistant defensive coordinator. So this is not some new voice. The system is going to be largely the same. But losing coaching talent stinks. But I think you and I are both big Domenic Spencer guys, and I don't think you're going to notice a difference."
Stepp's Pick: South Oak Cliff over PN-G
"They've got a state championship quarterback returning in Jayden "Dunnie" Williams. He won the job in the summer. There was a throw in the State 7-on-7 Tournament against Willis that he made where they were down by five facing a third-and-15. He made an opposite-hash throw to convert a first down, and I was like, 'That's a throw they haven't been able to make since Kevin Jennings was quarterback.' Then you come out of the box to beat North Shore to open the season, and the sky is the limit. This is a guy who they've developed in their program. As a sophomore, he was the JV backup. He was the B-team quarterback as a freshman. He has been in their program, and they've worked with him, and he's developed. That's a credit to their coaching staff.
The spine of their defense is excellent. Cody Smith at linebacker and the interior of their defensive line is going to be really good. But the edges are the concerns. They were senior-heavy at all the skill spots last year. They don't have a player who carried or caught the ball that had over 100 total yards last year. It's all new faces. That's not to say there's not a lot of talent and potential there, but potential means you haven't done it. So we have to see it. Those are the questions we have with South Oak Cliff. When they need a play, who's going to be the go-to guy?
Defensive coordinator Kyle Ward delegated a lot of the defensive playcalling to Domenic Spencer, but the change at defensive coordinator is fair to point out."
Carter's Pick: Boerne over South Oak Cliff
Boerne is one of four preseason top ten-ranked teams in Class 5A DII from District 13-5A DII alone (Boerne, Alamo Heights, Liberty Hill, New Braunfels). On the Tep and Stepp Class 5A preview, Tepper said you can make an argument that Boerne's District 13-5A DII is the toughest district in the entire classification. Stepp backed him up by saying he could see two District 13-5A DII teams in the regional final. I believe that Boerne, which hass won this district in each of the last two seasons, will prevail once again – and then be battle-tested come playoff time. The Greyhounds will be ready for the biggest moments if they're playing playoff-atmosphere and stakes-type games from mid-September on.
I also believe we don't talk enough about Boerne quarterback Grant Sweeney. This time last year, the Greyhounds were a complete unknown after losing their state-champion head coach and his state-leading passing-yardage quarterback. Sweeney came out of nowhere to throw for over 4,200 yards, rush for over 1,000 yards, and score 59 total touchdowns. Now with eight starters back on offense – and one of the five best offensive lines in Class 5A – I think Sweeney can take the Greyhounds one game farther than they made it last year.
Magazine Pick: Stephenville
"There's an argument to be made that the Yellow Jackets were a year early in 2025; they're right on time for a repeat in 2026."
Tepper's Pick: Stephenville over Lindale
"Here's the good news for Stephenville. Yes, they were absolutely blasted in the face by realignment. And also, I think they're the team to beat in Class 4A DI.
What's so funny about this – and maybe they were playing possum. Maybe. But go back and read the press clippings coming out of Stephenville before last year, and they're talking about a quarterback battle. But Trot Jordan stepped up, and all he was was probably the best player in 4A DI.
Defensive line is a question mark. They were so good on the defensive line last year. Kolton 'Dearth Vader' Dearth is in the Dudes Rock Hall of Fame. We're hanging Dearth Vader's jersey in the rafters. But you also lose CJ Spellmeier, (Caleb) Taylor, and (Hudson) Butchee. The front seven is a question, but I also trust Sterling Doty to put it together. And their offense is going to be stupid good.
A moment on Caden Monk. The list of guys to start as a freshman at Stephenville is a class that doesn't take long to call roll on. And not only did he start, but all due respect to Adan Jergins – who was awesome and is back too – you could make the argument that Caden Monk was their best receiver last year."
Stepp's Pick: Stephenville over Lindale
"You got Trot Jordan, Zyler McClendon, and Caden Monk back. I remember I watched them play La Vega in Week 5. And it was a beat up La Vega team. But they just beat the brakes off of them. I was like, 'This team is ridiculous.'
Now, if there is a question – it's defensive line. Their four defensive linemen were unbelievable. That defensive end they had (CJ Spellmeier) was unreal, and those two giant defensive tackles (Kolton Dearth, Nolan Griswold who is returning) you just couldn't move them. Dearth Vader – that touchdown where he did the dance, and then going into the field goal line he did the riding the pony at 300 pounds, I was like, 'Let's go.' But Stephenville is going to find some big guys. And their offense is going to be hard to stop."
Carter's Pick: Stephenville over Springtown
I wanted to be different from Tep and Stepp, but I will not be the guy who picks against a team with the reigning Offensive Player of the Year at quarterback, a 1,800-yard rusher, two of the top receivers in Class 4A, and an All-State offensive lineman in Cooper Doty. Give me Stephenville to go back-to-back for the first time since 1998-99. Know why I think the Yellow Jackets can do it? Because they're led by a coach, Sterling Doty, who was on those teams.
Magazine Pick: Carthage
"The animating question in 4A Division II for some time has been: is it "A Carthage Year" or not? Even with pieces to replace, it feels like "A Carthage Year."
Tepper's Pick: Carthage over La Vega
"Scott Surratt has 11 state championships and 31 losses in his career. He's 250-31 in his career. But I will say this about Carthage and the 2026 team. From a star power perspective, it's hard to remember them getting hit this hard by graduation: KJ Edwards, Daquives Beck, Jett Surratt, Junior Henderson, and Carson Crawford. Of those five guys I just mentioned, three of them are going to the SEC, one of them is going to Colorado, and Jett Surratt will start the program at Texas A&M-Texarkana. They lost a ton. Now, that being said, they're still going to be pretty good with Jace Harris, JD Edwards, and Jaden Jeffress.
They need a quarterback. Jacob Dixon appears to be the new guy. He's a junior, and the coaches have really nice things to say about him. He's a talented player. But that's the thing: Carthage is the Texas high school football program of record over the last decade or so."
Stepp's Pick: La Vega over Pleasant Grove
"La Vega is loaded this year. You can trust head coach Don Hyde about a lot of things, but you can't trust him about his own football team. So we'll tell you, they're going to be really good. And here's what should scare everyone: they're going to be really good in all of the La Vega ways. Specifically, up front defensively and running the damn ball. That's Modoc football right there. Then you add in three-year starting quarterback Kourtney Parr Jr, who's seen it all and done it all after leading the Pirates to the state championship game as a sophomore. When they do need to throw it, I think Don Hyde is going to trust that he'll put them in good situations."
Carter's Pick: Brock over La Vega
Every offseason, I compile position-group rankings across the state. Brock this offseason reminded me a lot of Stephenville last offseason. I try to spread the love across all programs in the state, but I had to include Brock on almost every ranking, even though I looked for every excuse not to. Not only do they have the most talent, but I think they have some of the tightest bonds within that locker room of any program in the state. This group of seniors was indoctrinated into Brock football in first grade, when the Eagles won their first state championship in 2015. I predict they go full circle with a final stop at Jerry World.
Magazine Pick: Columbus
"The Cardinals were remarkably young last season; now, that experience pays off in a run back to Arlington and the state title stage."
Tepper's Pick: Sinton over Gunter
"Sinton was a state semifinalist in Class 4A and is dropping down to Class 3A with a lot in tow as well. The Sinton Pirates are going to mean serious stinkin' business. Literally, the only questions I have about them are dropping down into a really tough District 15-3A DI and finding a couple answers on the defensive side. That's it. And if they do that, then they're right in the mix."
Stepp's Pick: Columbus over Paradise
"Columbus was really good last year, and on paper they were a year away. Now, wide receiver Braylon Fisher transferred to Barbers Hill because his dad got a coaching job there. But they have a transfer quarterback who's come in, sophomore quarterback David James. His dad is former Aldine MacArthur and Baylor great Odell James. He coached last year at Corpus Christi Miller. But Coach Justen Evans took the Denton Braswell job, and Coach Odell James was hired on staff at Columbus. So he brings his son, who started 11 games for Corpus Christi Miller as a freshman. That means Jack Schobel gets to move back to his more natural position at slot wide receiver. Up front, Columbus's offensive line might be the best in Class 3A, led by Keyon Hemphill-Woods, the Texas commit. They're going to get fueled up at Schobel's restaurant pregame, and then they're going to maul people.
Carter's Pick: Columbus over Gunter
I know Columbus didn't repeat as state champions, but going 11-3 last year was a remarkable accomplishment. They already had to replace Mr. Texas Football winner Adam Schobel, his star linebacker cousin, John Schobel, and 2,000-yard rusher Grayson Rigdon. But then, star wide receiver Braylon Fisher was injured 15 snaps into the season, which turned out to be a bad omen for the injury bug that'd bite the Cardinals. By the time they finished their last game, five starters were out for the year.
Columbus now has 17 starters back, including an offensive line with five starters from the state championship game two years ago. If they can find replacements for four stud linebackers who have graduated, I expect them to win their second state championship in the last three years.
Magazine Pick: Newton
"The Eagles came close last year, and with perhaps the most explosive group of weapons in all of Class 3A, they finish the job in 2026."
Tepper's Pick: Newton over Idalou
"Region III is the brand-name shopping region. By the way, this year, a lot of these teams are going to be really good. This region in the playoffs is going to be a street fight. We have nine teams in the top 25 in this region. And it starts with the No. 1 team in the state, the Newton Eagles.
Kendray Porter Jr. is unbelievable. But they're loaded all around, and I think their defense is going to be unreal."
Stepp's Pick: Newton over Idalou
"Newton – last year's state runner-up – lost the state title game by one point. Newton always has a big-time running back, and this year is no different with Kendray Porter Jr., the U of H commit who is back for his senior season. He is a special, special talent. But it's more than just him. When Newton has a Gaston or Spikes playing for them, they're usually going to be really good. I like their sophomore quarterback Izayah Foster. He got thrown in as a freshman last year and really started to grow up. I think Newton is going to be so much more dynamic on offense, and I don't worry about Newton playing tough defense."
Carter's Pick: Troup over Idalou
I've decided I'm going to be the leader of the Super Troupers fan club this year. The Tigers were 12-1 last year, return the Preseason Class 3A Defensive Player of the Year in Brett Wells (1,949 rushing yards, 35 total touchdowns, 109 tackles, nine tackles for loss) along with 16 starters, and might get superstar Edgewood quarterback Trevor Golightly into the mix (Golightly's move to Troup was denied at a DEC hearing and he has the option to appeal to the UIL). Either way, give me Troup winning its first state title since 1973.
Magazine Pick: Ganado
"The Indians waited nearly 100 years to win their first state title; they'll only have to wait two to bring home their second."
Tepper's Pick: Ganado over Axtell
"Ganado is loaded from last year with 18 starters back. We talked to head coach Josh Ervin at coaching school. I don't want to accuse him of being a sandbagger, but he's a humble guy who, if he likes his team, he's not going to be effusive in his praise about them. But I'll be braggadocious about them. I think Ganado is going to be really good.
Stepp's Pick: Ganado over Cisco
"They were young last year. Logan Bures, a.k.a. 'Smoke,' is their Swiss-Army Knife. He can play just about any position on the field. You've got Landyn Arriaga returning at quarterback with weapons around him. They won the State 7-on-7 Championship in Division III. They are a deserving No. 1 in my opinion."
Carter's Pick: Ganado over Mason
I have been all in on Ganado winning the state championship ever since I handed them the State 7-on-7 Championship Belt this summer. Normally, teams freak out and party when I bequeath the belt. Ganado's players were grateful, but acted as if they'd expected it. It was as if they felt there was no reason to celebrate doing your job. Besides, they had an air about them that the real trophy was at AT&T Stadium in December. With that mindset – and 18 starters back – I think Ganado wins their second title in three years.
Magazine Pick: Stratford
"The Elks bring home their second title in six years on the strength of a balanced offense and a rock-solid defensive core."
Tepper's Pick: Bremond over Wink
"In Region IV, there is no reigning Regional Champion. They were personally victimized by Shiner the last two years. But what's so interesting to me is that Shiner moves up to Division I, and teams like Junction, Falls City, and La Villa are so thrilled that they're gone. And all the UIL does is import two of the strongest Region III teams in there, including our No. 1 team in the magazine, the Bremond Tigers. It might be a Bremond year. They're loaded."
Stepp's Pick: Bremond over Ropes
"Sam Kasowski at quarterback. Tyriq Scott at running back. If it wasn't for Mount Enterprise and record-setting running back Kaegan Ash, I think Bremond is playing in back-to-back title games."
Carter's Pick: Windthorst
The last time Windthorst won a state title, the Trojans had a Belcher as their senior quarterback. That quarterback, Cy Belcher, was Brock's older brother. Their game styles are completely different. Head coach Chris Tackett said Cy would carve you with a scalpel, while Brock uses a sledgehammer. Cy always beat the defense before the ball was snapped, while Brock is Class 2A's version of Johnny Manziel, sprinting and scrambling around the pocket waiting for his fifth read to get open. But with Cy as Windthorst's quarterback coach, Brock has become the perfect blend of chaos and calm. And I think it'll take Windthorst to Jerry World. In 12 games last year, Brock had 3,491 passing yards, 55 touchdowns, 3 INT, and 850 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns.
Magazine Pick: Rankin
"Redemption for the Red Devils, who ride a balanced attack and a ferocious defense to their first state championship in program history."
Tepper's Pick: Rankin over Gordon
"I think Rankin gets a little bit of revenge. Rankin brings back eight starters from last year's team that made the state championship and just ran into – in our estimation – the best six-man football team of all time. We really like this Rankin team. Matthew Ramos leads a real veteran squad that's hungry to prove that they are back."
Carter's Pick: Rankin over Gilmer Union Hill
Tepper laid out Rankin's gauntlet in Region II on the Tep and Stepp Class 1A Preview. They have to deal with Borden County (Preseason No.6), Klondike (No.9), Sands (No. 11), Water Valley (No. 14), Menard (No. 13 and just got superstar Coen Ethridge). But with Preseason Coach of the Year Garrett Avalos at the helm, I think Rankin will win the region and then be battle-tested come championship time.
Magazine Pick: Cherokee
"With a bruising defense and depth rare for this level, the Indians bring home their first state championship since 1978."
Tepper's Pick: Strawn over Cherokee
"I think 1A DII is the most mysterious classification we'll do all year. Strawn was straight up back last year, going 12-2 and making it to the state semifinal. They bring back five starters. It's a team we have really high expectations for with head coach Dewaine Lee."
Stepp's Pick: Strawn
"I may lean Strawn for Mary's Cafe's Chicken Fried Steak."
Carter's Pick: Richland Springs over Oakwood
In my time at Dave Campbell's, it feels like every time I hear, 'This is the most unpredictable bracket in the state!' the blue bloods end up winning anyway. I have a couple theories about this, but my strongest hunch is that 'chaos' leads to programs playing on bigger stages than they ever have before, and the blue bloods have a certain experience and calm that wins out. For that reason, give me six-man football's greatest dynasty – the Richland Springs Coyotes, who've made 12 state championship games. Even after losing superstar Coen Ethridge and inserting a new head coach, James McIntyre Jr., I believe the Coyotes have too much consistency to bet against.
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