These TXHSFB Teams Will Have the Most Returning Offensive Starters in 2026

11 Returning Starters: Clarendon

Clarendon is the only team in Texas returning every offensive starter. After posting a 29-10 record from 2021 to 2023, the Broncos have fallen to a 2-19 record over the last two seasons. Clarendon is still in the process of hiring a head coach. Whoever takes the helm will be the fourth head coach in five seasons, but they’ll also have an entire offense of returning starters to work with. 

The Broncos’ offensive line will be the biggest strength of their Single Wing Offense with returning First Team All-District performer Hayden Moore (6-foot, 255). Center Hunter Caison (6-foot, 200) is another senior leader. Those two should pave holes for dynamic running back Markeal Davis (5-foot-8-inches, 190 pounds), who was First Team All-District as a sophomore.

10 Returning Starters (schools listed in alphabetical order)

Abilene TLC

Abilene TLC is 1-39 in four years as a varsity program and has never scored more than 100 points in a season. Webb Murphy, who served as Munday’s head coach in 2022, takes over at the helm. He’ll implement a multiple spread offensive attack with exciting sophomore quarterback Tyler Johnston (5-foot-11-inches, 170 pounds) at the helm.

Altair Rice Consolidated

Rice Consolidated’s 1-9 record was the lowest win total since 1996, and their six-year TXHSFB program ranking fell from 435 to 833. But Coach Brad Dumont believes his Raiders will be stronger with improved senior leadership. That starts with four-year starting quarterback Kordae Johnson (5-foot-11-inches, 185 pounds), who had 1,100 passing yards and 450 rushing yards as a junior. He’ll share the backfield with District Offensive Newcomer of the Year Ta’Rell Tarver (5-foot-8-inches, 185 pounds), who had over 600 yards as a freshman. Drayton Amos (5-foot-8-inches, 215 pounds) is the strongest player on the team and will play on both the offensive and defensive lines.

Alto

Alto is one of the most intriguing storylines in Class 2A. Former Mount Enterprise coach Scott Ponder, who just coached TXHSFB’s single-season rushing record holder Kaegan Ash, has taken a job at district rival Alto. You have to believe the Yellowjackets’ 10 returning starters were an enticing factor.

Quarterback Camdyn Almond (6-foot-1-inches, 195 pounds) is back for his third year as the starter after a First Team All-District season. He has a talented wide receiver tandem at his disposal. Chris Johnson (6-foot-6-inches, 180 pounds) is the deep threat, while Alex Gonzalez (5-foot-6-inches, 145 pounds) is the extremely quick slot option.

Aubrey

Aubrey missed the playoffs for the first time since Coach Keith Ivy’s inaugural season in 2014. But Ivy is confident the Chaparrals will have a much better season with 19 returning starters across both sides of the ball. Aubrey should be solid up front with returning First Team All-District offensive line duo Brayden Rood and Stephan Coffman. Rood, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound center, had 79 pancake blocks with a 90 percent grade in 2025. The 6-foot-3-inch, 245-pound Coffman had 54 pancakes and is a two-year starter at tackle.

Corpus Christi King

Corpus Christi King has had two winless campaigns in the past three seasons, but Coach Austin Menner believes his Mustangs will get out of the gates faster this year. Menner was hired late in the spring of 2025, and this will be his first full offseason. He also has 10 returning starters on offense, headlined by 6-foot-3-inch wide receiver Damon Smith, who earned First Team All-South Texas honors with 83 catches for 1,249 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Smith will be the primary target for returning First Team All-District quarterback Tatum Emerson (2,495 passing yards, 20 touchdowns).

Cameron Yoe

Four-time state champion Cameron Yoe has suffered three consecutive three-win seasons. But Coach Aaron Babino’s squad should have a strong run game with District Lineman of the Year Enrique Luna (6-foot-1-inch, 285 pounds) and First Team All-District lineman Shawn Leifeste returning. First Team All-District RB De’Marques Lopez-Pinchback can be called upon in a pinch to ignite the offense. He had 687 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2025.

Columbus

Columbus brings back 10 starters from an 11-3 ball club. The Cardinals have one of the top offensive lines in Class 3A with two All-State performers in Keyon Hemphill-Woods and Christopher Quinn. Hemphill-Woods, a Texas commit, is a three-year starter who was named a preseason Class 3A Player of the Year candidate by DCTX. He and Quinn should make life comfortable for QB Jack Schobel (6-foot, 180 pounds), who earned District Co-Offensive Player of the Year as a first-year starter. Schobel will also benefit from the healthy return of WR Braylon Fisher, a critical component to Columbus’s state championship two years ago, who missed all but 15 snaps last season. Keep an eye on Brennan Hicks (6-foot, 170), one of the better two-way players in the state. He had 1,104 total yards rushing and receiving.

D'Hanis

There may only be close to 40 boys at D’Hanis High School, but the Cowboys always have a solid football turnout. This year is no different, with 10 returning offensive starters. QB Evan Croft was the District Co-Newcomer of the Year with 1,345 yards and 13 touchdowns. He could be in for an even better 2026 with WR Kase Braden (6-foot-4-inches, 180 pounds) and Josiah Rodriguez (5-foot-7-inches, 155 pounds) both back after First Team All-District seasons. Lineman Allan Pawlik (6-foot-1-inch, 250) is the leader up front after a First Team All-District sophomore season.

El Paso Riverside

El Paso Riverside has district championship expectations after an 8-3 season. The confidence begins with QB Carlos Rojas III (5-foot-10-inches, 185 pounds), the District Offensive MVP with 1,516 passing yards and 2,279 rushing yards. Coach Daniel Chavez says he is the team’s heartbeat on and off the field. Rojas returns an All-District performer at every other position. WR Izzy Garcia (6-1, 170) and RT Servando Avitia (6-foot-2, 240 pounds) were both unanimous First Team All-District picks. RB Derek Armendariz (5-foot-9, 160 pounds) is a hard-nosed runner and terrific open-field blocker. 

Fischer Canyon Lake

Fischer Canyon Lake could have one of the most explosive passing attacks in Class 4A in 2026. QB Jace Wheeler (6-foot, 195 pounds) is a three-year starter who has thrown for over 5,000 yards the past two seasons. WR Peyton King (6-foot, 185 pounds) could break all of Fischer Canyon Lake’s receiving records as a senior. He had 49 catches for 1,016 yards and 14 touchdowns. Teams won’t be able to double King with explosive wide receiver Kobe Halverson lining up beside him. Halverson will move all over the field after earning Second Team All-District honors as a sophomore.

Graham

Graham was named as a preseason first-time state champion contender by Dave Campbell’s after returning 10 offensive starters from a 9-4 team. The offensive line will have four athletes over 300 pounds. OT Tyson Louder (6-foot-5-inches, 325 pounds) was the District Offensive Line MVP with a 98 percent season grade. Fellow tackle Brennan Strawbridge (6-foot-2-inches, 315 pounds) completes one of the best offensive line units in Class 4A. Quarterback is the one position Graham must replace, but senior Cooper Corely (5-foot-11-inches,  185) has drawn praise for his explosive athleticism. He’ll also be able to lean on District Utility Player of the Year RB/S Colt Taylor and WR Brodie Martin (6-foot-1-inches, 175 pounds), who earned All-State honors after a one-year hiatus from football.

Hawkins 

After back-to-back 5-5 seasons under Coach Bill Cowley, could 2026 be Hawkins’ breakthrough? QB Eli Smith (6-foot-1-inches, 205 pounds) will have a say in it. Smith has a strong arm and a natural ability to move the offense. He had 2,750 total yards and 28 touchdowns in 2025. Smith has a plethora of weapons back, including two 6-foot-3-inch wide receivers (Riggin Smith and Eli Snide) who had over 650 yards. Running backs Trevin Tanner and Spring Crouch give the Hawks a nice 1-2 punch.

Hebbronville

Last year’s underclassmen-heavy Longhorns team went 4-6, but coach R.J. Montalvo says that experience will pay dividends in 2026. RB Braeden Garza will be the tip of the spear in Hebbronville’s Slot-T attack. Garza was the District Co-Newcomer of the Year as a freshman. Look for OL Jeremy Gonzalez, a First Team All-District selection, to pave the way for Garza. Lucas Cadena is a versatile offensive weapon who can line up at RB or WR.

Longview Spring Hill

The Panthers went 2-8 last season and entered a gauntlet of a district with Carthage, Pleasant Grove, and Gilmer. But Coach Brandon Joslin is confident Longview Spring Hill will compete with 10 starters back in the pistol flex offense. Junior WB Brody Proctor (5-foot-11-inch, 170 pounds) had 1,310 total yards and 10 touchdowns last year.

Mansfield Timberview

Coach Jacody Coleman led the Wolves to a 7-4 record in his first year at the helm. Could Mansfield Timberview be in for a big leap with 10 returning starters back on offense? QB Steven Hall (6-foot-1-inches, 165 pounds), the reigning Co-Offensive Newcomer of the Year, was a breakout star with 1,700 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. He has a talented WR in Braylin Bennett (5-foot-10-inches, 175 pounds) to throw to. Bennett had 783 yards and eight touchdowns and currently holds offers to Texas State and Georgetown. But don’t mistake Mansfield Timberview as an unbalanced offense. RB J-uan Harrison (5-foot-10-inches, 190 pounds) had 1,370 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

Needville

Needville will have a new face of the program after Mike Giles resigned after 12 seasons. But Coach Jared Sloan will have plenty of known commodities on offense with ten returning starters. QB Cameron Hall (6-foot-1-inches, 180 pounds) and RB Kobie Campbell (5-foot-11-inches, 185 pounds) are both three-year starters. Each has earned First Team All-District accolades the past two seasons.

Pasadena

Coach David Zapien’s squad has suffered back-to-back 1-9 seasons, but the Eagles could soar in 2026 with 10 returning starters on offense. Junior QB Shawn Aguirre (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) had a breakout season with 930 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Senior slot back Martellis Mosley (5-foot-7-inches, 160 pounds) is also an electric playmaker.

Rusk

The Eagles’ 1-9 season was the lowest win total since 1991. But Coach Cody Welch believes his second season at the helm will bring more success. OL Trenton Gray (6-foot-4-inches, 275 pounds) is the leader of Rusk’s pro-style offense after a First Team All-District season. WR/CB Trendan Bonin (5-foot-10-inches, 160 pounds) was a First Team All-District selection on defense but will play a major role on offense.

San Antonio Southwest

The Dragons (8-3) are a throwback program that runs the stacked I-formation. The running game should be strong once again behind an experienced offensive line. Senior Caden Taylor (6-foot-4-inches, 280 pounds) is a three-year starter and returning First Team All-District performer. Southwest will also benefit from the healthy return of senior Juan Villanueva (5-foot-11.5-inches, 230 pounds), who projects to start on both sides of the ball. RB Dre Voss started his Southwest career at inside linebacker but will transition to the primary running back after averaging 7.2 yards per tote as a sophomore. Senior Jae’Von Means (6-foot-1-inches, 150 pounds) is a two-way First Team All-District performer at wide receiver and safety. 

Tenaha

Coach Terry Ward is back for his third stint as Tenaha’s head coach. Ward led the Tigers to the 2011 state championship game, and most recently posted a 10-3 record as the program’s head coach in 2023. His return, along with five all-district starters on the offensive line, makes Tenaha one of the most intriguing teams in Class 2A. Keren Cato (5-foot-10-inches, 235 pounds) and Matthew Gatlin (6-foot-3-inches, 220 pounds) are the senior leaders of that unit. Meanwhile, center Zay Tutt (6-foot-1-inches, 230 pounds) broke out last year with First Team All-District accolades as a sophomore.

Thorndale

The Bulldogs have posted back-to-back 8-4 seasons, but 2026 could be the year Coach John Kovar’s team makes a deeper run. Offensive line is Thorndale’s biggest strength, headlined by four-year starters and First Team All-District performer Cayson Merz (6-foot-3-inches, 240 pounds). Fellow lineman Wyatt Betak (6-foot-3-inches, 240 pounds) is another First Team All-District selection who plays with a high motor, evidenced by 35 pancakes. Those two should give QB Case McDaniel (6-foot-1-inches, 170 pounds) plenty of time to operate. McDaniel earned First Team All-District with 1,554 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Three Rivers

Three Rivers will have a rapid pace in 2026 with a talented group of skill players. WR/S Ethan Conn (5-foot-11-inches, 160 pounds) was the District Co-Utility Player of the Year with 52 catches for 1,162 yards and 15 touchdowns. He will be the go-to target for QB Paxton Soliz (5-foot-8-inches, 146 pounds), who had a breakout sophomore year with 2,159 passing yards, 645 rushing yards, and 37 total touchdowns. The Bulldogs will be balanced with the RB tandem of Evin Sheppard (5-foot-10-inches, 195 pounds) and sophomore Wyatt Garcia, the reigning District Co-Newcomer of the Year.

Tulia

Tulia tabbed athletic director and head baseball coach Trevor Cordova as the football team’s next head coach after a 1-9 season. Cordova is confident his Hornets will have a better year behind a speedy group of skill position players, led by senior QB Jacob Trevino. OL Aaron Maldonado is the leader up front after a Second Team All-District season.

Whitney

Coach David Haynes Jr has a chance to become the winningest coach in school history this season. He’ll rely on his son, Kobe, to break the record. Haynes (6-foot-1-inches, 200 pounds) was a First Team All-State All-Purpose athlete with 1,500 rushing yards, 1,500 passing yards, and 700 receiving yards. With over 20 Division I offers, he can line up anywhere on the field. If Haynes is at QB, his main target will be WR KJ O’Hearn (6-foot, 190 pounds), who earned First Team All-District accolades with 700 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Wortham

Wortham's 2-8 mark in 2025 was the first losing season in five years. But Coach Chad Coker says a young team grew up fast last year, which will benefit the Bulldogs offense. Senior Trynen Cawthorn is a true utility weapon who finished top three on the team in rushing, passing, and receiving yards.