Class 2A DI defending state champion Ganado returns just five starters, while Class 2A DII is the deepest it's been in quite some time.

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

Class 2A DI

Magazine Prediction: Refugio

The Bobcats have the skill players, the speed, the defense and - most importantly - the pedigree to add another title to their name.

Greg Tepper: Refugio

"This is Year Two under Drew Cox. They went 11–2 and lost 14-6 to the eventual state champions, Ganado. They're always deep, but QB Kelan Brown is off to Texas A&M-Kingsville, and RB Jordan King is at Southern Nazarene. But they have guys like Zander Wills (130 tackles), and Ray Lewis is taking over at QB." 

Matt Stepp: Waskom

"I think with Coach Wade Lawson in Year Two, they're going to be even more well-schooled in that flexbone system. Waskom always has athletes, they're a lot of fun to watch." 

Carter Yates: Panhandle

Broxton Robinson (2,090 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 1,214 rushing yards, 23 rushing touchdowns) is one of the best quarterbacks in Class 2A, and with seven other starters returning on offense, he could make a jump as a senior. First Team All-District 1-2A DI offensive linemen Gavin Brookshire and Jack Sinclair are back to block for him. Two-way First Team pick Caden Armes (WR/DB) gives Robinson a skill threat. After a second-round exit in 2024, the Panthers will have plenty of motivation. 

Class 2A DII

Magazine Prediction: Muenster

Casen Carney, Garrett Hess, Nolan Peel and a sturdy group of battle-hardened seniors get the Hornets their second straight crown.

 Greg Tepper: Muenster

"This is the toughest region in Class 2A Division II, but I'm picking Muenster goes back-to-back. I think QB Casen Carney (3,163 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, 1,600 rushing yards, 32 rushing touchdowns) is the best player in Class 2A." 

Matt Stepp: Bremond

"There's a reason why I don't have Shiner in the state championship game this year. Bremond has 19 starters back and 11 on defense. This is a loaded Bremond squad. They took Shiner to the limit in the state semifinals. And they've got a coach's kid at quarterback in Sam Kasowski (2,328 passing yards and 27 touchdowns). I think Bremond is the big favorite in Region III, which is weird to say because Mart lives there. But I think Mart is retooling."

Carter Yates: Bremond

Get ready to learn the name Tank Scott. Last year as a junior he rushed for 1,954 yards and 30 touchdowns and racked up 191 tackles on defense. He is the headliner of one of the most experienced teams in Class 2A DII. I'm picking Bremond to make its first state championship since the three-peat from 2014-16.