You want em, you asked for them and you love them! 

Here are the 2026 TXHSFB Hipster Picks featuring off the radar teams who Matt Stepp feels like has a chance to do big things this season!

Class 6A

Keller Central: The Chargers were a combined 2-28 and in bad shape from 2022-2024. Eric Vance was hired in January 22024 and after a rough first year, the arrow started to point in the right direction last year as CHS posted a 5-5 mark. Optimism is through the roof now as the Chargers welcome back 13 starters, including dynamic QB/DB Isaiah Taylor and his twin brother WR/DB Jeremian Taylor, both of whom are among the highest rated recruits in the Class of 2028 in the country. RB Spencer Martin is a four-year starter as well. Keller Central will be in playoff contention in 4-6A and with a break or two they could get a high enough seed to host a bi-district playoff game.  

Others to Watch: Richardson Berkner, Fulshear, San Antonio Roosevelt

Class 5A-Division I

Beaumont West Brook: The Bruins just missed on the playoffs a year ago posting a 6-4 record, and this year Chuck Langston’s squad is dead-set on ending that playoff drought. Eight starters are back on offense led by QB Tam Anderson, a Louisiana commit. Sophomore WR Brock Anderson turned heads as a freshman and the Bruins return nearly the entire offensive line. The defense has a few holes to fill and District 9-5A Division I is unforgiving, but this is a team that can get into the playoffs and hang around for a little while.

Others to Watch: Denton, Garland Naaman Forest, McAllen Rowe

Class 5A-Division II

Nederland: Things were great in 2024 for Nederland in Scott Rich’s first season at the helm, but the Bulldogs fell off in a big way last year falling to 3-7 and missing out on the playoffs. Expect a big bounce back in 2026 as the Bulldogs return 17 starters, including 10 on the defensive side of the ball. Add in help from very talented younger classes that went a combined 18-2 and the absence from the playoffs should be a short one for NHS.

Others to Watch: Wichita Falls Legacy, Mesquite Poteet, Corpus Christi Ray

Class 4A-Division I

El Paso Andress: The Eagles posted a 9-3 record a year ago and advanced to the 5A area playoffs. Now they drop down to 4A with some absolutely lethal offensive weapons. QB Jamari Milton, RB Carmelo Jones and ATH Aavant Clayton are all big time playmakers for a veteran offense. The Eagles defense does have some work to do, especially in the front seven. But the secondary is in great shape with the return of DB Elijah Cooper.

Others to Watch: Kaufman, Houston Sterling, Floresville

Class 4A-Division II

Levelland: Lyle Leong’s squad has posted back-to-back 6-5 records but the Lobos could be poised for bigger and better in 2026 as LHS returns eight starters on both sides of the ball. The top of the district is tough, but the Lobos have closed the gap and look to try and compete for a top two slot.

Others to Watch: Pittsburg, Canton, Robinson

Class 3A-Division I

Atlanta: I know, I know. I’ve been burned by the Rabbits before, BUT THIS YEAR IS DIFFERENT! I think this is an Atlanta squad that can do damage. They posted an 8-3 record last year while starting a freshman QB. AHS returns 15 starters and brings back 32 lettermen. They’ve got two absolute game changers in WR/DB CJ Whaley and WR/DB Deondrae Simmons, both of whom are Power 5 recruits.

Others to Watch: Sweetwater, Wharton, Orange Grove

Class 3A-Division II

Rice Consolidated: The Raiders were probably better than their 1-9 record in 2025 indicated. They suffered several close losses in a tough district and battled through injuries, but HC Brad Dumont has something cooking for 2026 down in Altair. The Raiders return 10 starters on both sides of the ball. If you haven’t heard the name, remember ATH Kordae Johnson; there’s not much on a football field this kid can’t do!

Others to Watch: Childress, Comanche, West Rusk

Class 2A-Division I

Anson: The Tigers may end up being the best fourth place team in the state, but I sure wouldn’t want to see them in bi-district! Fresh off a 8-4 season, Kyle Wheeler’s squad welcomes back 14 starters. Yes they are in a brutal district, but this is a really good team that is dangerous. Keep an eye on 6-foot-6 TE Malachi St. John, who is a nightmarish matchup for opposing defenses.

Others to Watch: Sonora, Timpson, Weimar

Class 2A-Division II

Big Sandy: This may be the “hipsteriest” pick of all as the Wildcats suffered through a miserable 0-10 campaign in 2025. However, February brought about UIL Realignment and much needed hope as the Wildcats drop down to 2A-Division II and in a surprise move they get sent north instead of south. Big Sandy last year knocked heads with Waskom, Elysian Fields and Beckville. This new district will not feature any powerhouses like that. Add in the fact Brian Pullum’s squad returns half their starters and I think there’s decent chance Big Sandy makes the playoffs in 2026.

Others to Watch: Quanah, Roscoe, Holland