UIL REALIGNMENT: Most Intriguing 3A DI Storylines to Watch

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Division II Powers Looking to Make a Division I Impact: It’s a realignment of big changes in Class 3A and it starts at the Division I level where two of the top programs in Division II make the leap into Division I. 2025 state champs Wall return to the Division I level after a four-year stint in Division II along with Gunter, which has won five state titles since 2016 and played in two other state championship games. You’d expect Wall to end up in Region I (although there’s a crazy scenario where they end up in Region IV), while Gunter’s likely landing spot is in Region II (although Region I isn’t 100 percent off the table either). Where these two powers end up could shape regional races for the next two seasons.

Malakoff and Grandview Straddling Regional Lines: Traditional powers Malakoff and Grandview have developed a rivalry over the past eight years and it has generally been in Region II, but if you recall back in 2018 they actually played in the state title game. That was because Grandview was placed in Region III. Could the Zebras make the move south again? Malakoff has traditionally been a Region II team and its possible the Tigers could flip over to Region III. Grandview going to Region I is unlikely, but not totally out of the realm of possibility.

Region IV Could Get A Powerhouse Infusion: Region IV has had some struggles in the state semifinals, but there could be a real shift in dynamics the next two years. We start with Sinton, which was the Region IV champion at the 4A-Division II level a year ago. The Pirates are dropping down to 3A-Division I and they’ll certainly be placed in Region IV. Additionally, there’s a scenario where last year’s state champion Yoakum moves down to Region IV from Region III along with the 2024 state champion Columbus.