The 2026 Region 10 preseason coaches poll has already sparked excitement, with Skyline High School sitting atop the rankings after a 9‑4 finish that carried the Eagles to the 4A quarterfinals last year. The team’s resurgence is matched by Highland High School, the defending champions, who are positioned just behind at second place.
Key Players to Watch
Skyline’s 2025 campaign featured a perfect blend of experience and youthful talent, finishing the regular season with a 9‑4 record and a narrow loss to Highland in the region title game. The Eagles return eight offensive starters and six on defense, and they will be anchored by All‑State running back Jonah Mailei, who amassed 1,215 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
Adding to the intrigue, Tate Johnson, a transfer from Mountain View, will take over at quarterback for Skyline, bringing a fresh arm to a unit that already boasts a potent ground game. Meanwhile, Highland’s offense will be led by junior quarterback Will Bauman, who completed 15 of 25 passes for 218 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, while sophomore running back Vili Ripley contributed 356 rushing yards and six scores as a freshman.
The coaching staffs have emphasized continuity, with both Skyline and Highland retaining the bulk of their starters on both sides of the ball. Skyline’s defensive coordinator praised the chemistry of the returning eight defenders, while Highland’s staff highlighted the experience of eight returning offensive linemen.
Other programs in the region are also shaping up for a competitive season. Murray High School finished 5‑5 overall and will return four starters on each side of the ball, led by senior running back McKade Eardley, who logged 714 yards and six touchdowns. East High School, Juan Diego, Jordan and Cottonwood each finished below .500 but will look to build on modest improvements, with Cottonwood entering the year without any returning starters on either unit.
As the first week of August approaches, the buzz around Region 10 is palpable. Fans can expect a season filled with high‑octane rushing attacks, dynamic quarterback play, and the ever‑present quest for redemption among the traditional powers. The poll may be just a snapshot, but it sets the stage for a year where every snap could rewrite the regional hierarchy.
Jonah Mailei’s breakout 2025 performance earned him an Honorable Mention All‑State nod, and his blend of power and agility makes him the centerpiece of Skyline’s offense. Tate Johnson’s transition from Mountain View to Skyline brings a new dynamic to the quarterback position, promising a different tempo to the Eagles’ attack. On the Highland side, Will Bauman’s emerging connection with his receivers and Vili Ripley’s rapid rise as a sophomore back give the defending champions a balanced offensive arsenal.
With preseason rankings set and rosters largely locked, the focus now shifts to how quickly new transfers can mesh with returning starters and whether younger players can sustain the momentum from last season. The Region 10 coaches poll has done more than assign numbers; it has ignited a narrative that will unfold on Friday nights across Utah’s high school football fields.