Dave Campbell's Texas Sports Names Huntington Bank Presenting Sponsor of Statewide Capital of Texas High School Football Campaign

DCTX and Huntington Bank will celebrate the schools, leaders and communities that make Texas High School Football unlike anywhere else.

LEWISVILLE, Texas — Dave Campbell’s Texas Sports (DCTX) and Huntington Bank are joining forces this fall for a statewide celebration of the passion, tradition and community pride that define Texas High School Football, culminating in the selection of the 2026 Capital of Texas High School Football.

Throughout the regular season, fans from across the state will have the opportunity to nominate their school and hometown for the honor. Each week, six schools will be selected through a combination of fan nominations and DCTX editorial selections. Results will be shared across DCTX social platforms, creating a season-long showcase of the communities that make Friday nights in Texas so special.

When the postseason begins, the competition will shift into championship mode. A 64-school bracket featuring communities from across Texas will be unveiled, with fans rallying behind their hometowns through multiple rounds of voting to determine which school ultimately earns the title of Capital of Texas High School Football.

“Texas High School Football has always been about more than what happens between the sidelines,” said Robel Melesse, Senior Director at Dave Campbell’s Texas Sports. “It’s the students, bands, cheerleaders, coaches, administrators, parents and generations of fans who make Friday night the heartbeat of communities across our state. Partnering with Huntington Bank gives us the opportunity to celebrate that passion all season long and ultimately give Texans the chance to decide which community deserves to be called the Capital of Texas High School Football.”

Taking the celebration directly to communities across the state, Huntington Bank will join DCTX for a season-long road tour, highlighting the traditions, local leadership and community spirit that make Texas high school football a uniquely Texas experience.

 "Texas continues to be an important market for Huntington, and partnerships like this are one way we demonstrate our commitment to the communities we serve," said Huntington Regional Group President Billy Braddock. "Having watched my two sons play high school football in Texas, I've seen the pride these programs inspire and the lasting impact they can have on a community. Huntington is proud to work alongside Dave Campbell's Texas Sports to recognize the places that bring people together and help shape the character of our state."

Huntington Bank also will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of Dave Campbell’s Friday Night Football, where the DCTX team will bring fans wall-to-wall coverage from one of the biggest Texas High School Football games of the week. From the atmosphere and traditions to the storylines and action on the field, fans will get an inside look at what makes Friday nights across Texas unlike anywhere else.

Vertical Sports Advisory served as Huntington Bank's strategic advisor for the partnership, leading category strategy, property evaluation and negotiations.

"Youth sports and specifically, Texas high school football, brings communities together in a way very few things do," said Dale Song, CEO of Vertical Sports Advisory. "Huntington wanted to be part of that in a genuine way, and there is no better partner in this state than Dave Campbell's.”

Fans are encouraged to nominate their school, cast their votes and follow the Capital of Texas High School Football journey throughout the season across DCTX digital and social platforms.

To nominate your school and follow the Capital of Texas High School Football throughout the season, visit TexasFootball.com/Capital-of-Texas-High-School-Football.

About Dave Campbell’s Texas Sports

Dave Campbell’s is a legacy Texas media brand rooted in high school football, with expanding authority in all UIL sports and high school events, recruiting, and college football. We’re the home to the iconic Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine and a growing portfolio of media and digital products. We produce 2,000+ live-streamed games annually, alongside studio shows, newsletters, podcasts, and a live-scoring app. Trusted by fans, coaches, athletes, and communities statewide, our team balances editorial excellence, audience connection, and platform innovation.

About Huntington

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a $284 billion asset regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. A top 10 U.S. commercial bank, The Huntington National Bank and its affiliates provide consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities, and other organizations with a comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management, and risk management products and services. Founded in 1866, Huntington operates over 1,400 branches in 21 states, with certain businesses operating nationally. Visit Huntington.com for more information.