Out of 1,254 Texas high school football programs, 704 (56.1%) make the playoffs. But while the majority get in, there are still some shocking teams that get left out.

Whether by a tough district, a down year or a 'How in the world did that happen?' win or loss, here are the five best non-playoff teams in 2024. 

Melissa Cardinals (6-4)

Melissa, the preseason No. 9-ranked team in Class 5A DII, had question marks coming into the year about the skill positions but was predicted to win District 4-5A DII behind one of the state's best offensive lines, headlined by Oklahoma commit Owen Hollenbeck and 2026 prospect Max Wright. But in a bifurcated district (the top four teams went a combined 30-10, while the bottom four went a combined 6-34), Melissa fell in no man's land at No. 5. 

The Cardinals started the year 4-1 with a gritty win over defending 4A state champion Anna, but dropped three of their final five, all by one score. 

China Spring Cougars (2-8)

China Spring won back-to-back state championships in 2021 and 2022, but two years removed, it missed the playoffs for the first time since 2013. The Cougars replaced a lot of talent at key positions this season, but the new starters performed admirably. Four of eight losses came by one score. The five non-district opponents went a combined 36-12, and their District 12-4A DII with Waco La Vega and Robinson was one of the deepest in Texas.

Henderson Lions (6-4)

Henderson, picked to finish sixth in District 9-4A DI, actually exceeded expectations with a winning record. They beat 8-2 Athens and had a three-point win over 8-2 Kilgore. But a surprise season floundered with three consecutive losses to close the year, and the 45-0 drubbing by Lindale punched Lindale's ticket to the playoffs and Henderson's ticket to basketball season.

Vanderbilt Industrial Cobras (2-8)

Vanderbilt Industrial, the preseason No. 21-ranked team in Class 3A DII, was picked to finish third in a stacked District 14-3A with defending state finalist Tidehaven and East Bernard. But an 0-5 start against programs that went a combined 39-11, combined with Rice Consolidated's suprising 7-3 record, complicated the Cobras' path. 

Chilton Pirates (3-7)

Chilton was the preseason No. 11-ranked team in Class 2A DII after reaching the state semis last season, but realignment placed them in 2A's toughest district. Bremond and Mart predictably finished atop the standings, but Goldthwaite and Wortham both outperformed expectations. In its seven losses, Chilton's offense averaged 6.3 points per game.