Class 3A DI is arguably the most unpredictable class in the entire state, which is why our staff has diverted from the magazine selection. Meanwhile, three-time defending state champion Gunter looks more vulnerable than ever with a new head coach and two starters back on offense.

Quotes from Tepper and Stepp are pulled from Tep&Stepp's Class Preview podcasts.

Class 3A DI

Magazine Prediction: Columbus

This is a new-look Cardinals team , but there's enough talent, speed and swagger to get Matt Schobel's squad back to the mountaintop. 

Greg Tepper: Franklin

It feels like people are forgetting that this is, in many respects, the 3A Division I program of record. Mark Fannin took his Lions to four title games in the last five seasons, and they're loaded for bear in 2025 — RJ Fulton at the running back spot, a bruising tight end in AJ Phillips, an experienced offensive line anchored by Logan Kilcrease, and a thumping defense led by linebacker Bubba Franklin. 3A Division I feels a little more wide-open than it has been in past years, but let's not overthink this.

Matt Stepp: Franklin

"Franklin has been the best team in 3A the last four years. Last year was a "bump in the road" for them because they only got to the regional finals. They don't have Bubba Jackson (Iowa State) anymore, but I feel like Franklin's always got a running back. I think RJ Fulton is ready to step in. He was kind of their Swiss Army Knife last year. Mark Fannin is a hell of a coach. Discount Franklin at your own peril, I think they're going to be right there. They're not going to be the sexiest team. They won't have all the flashy guys. But in the end, when it's cold in November and early December and you need to win a playoff game, Franklin is a good team to ride with."

Carter Yates: Llano

Tep & Stepp said that Class 3A DI is the most unpredictable class in all of Texas high school football. So why not preseason No.9-ranked Llano emerging in the chaos? QB Luke Davis has already started 19 games entering his junior year, and I think that experience vaults the First Team All-District from great to elite. The defense should be salty with Newcomer of the Year Cole Kennedy (49 tackles, 4 sacks) and First Team defensive back JD Friday (4 interceptions) returning. Plus, the trenches should be a team strength with unanimous First Team offensive lineman Cason Stephenson back. 

Class 3A DII

Magazine Prediction: Gunter

To be clear, this is far from a sure thing after an enormous amount of turnover, but the three-time defending champs deserve the benefit of the doubt.

Greg Tepper: Gunter

Gunter gets a historic four-peat. Now, it won't be easy — there's a lot of moving parts in the Tigers' program, including the new coach in Jordan Gill. But the culture there is so strong, and the reports on new quarterback Knox Gage have been so encouraging, that it feels like it'll take something special to dethrone the Gunter dynasty.

Matt Stepp: Tidehaven

"25 letterman return, and 17 are starters. They were State 7-on-7 Champs. They have a four-year starter at QB in Kale Russell. And, when you've got a guy named 'Boogie,' you're going to do some damage. Boogie Galvan, their wide receiver, is a playmaker. They have dudes all over the place. Tidehaven is for real. They are the favorite in Region IV and I think the biggest threat to win a state championship." 

Carter Yates: Tidehaven

In a year where they were definitely "a-year-too-early," Tidehaven made the state semifinals last year and played Woodville to one score. Most of the key players are at least three-year starters, and they've played in a state championship game and made a run ot the semifinals in that time. There are some threats in Class 3A DII, but this team is too veteran to lose games they shouldn't.