The 2026 Texas high school football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with defending state champions already staking their claim and a slate of games that promise to capture national attention.
Cross‑State Showdowns
Several programs are venturing far beyond state borders, most notably DeSoto, the defending Class 6A Division II champion, which will travel to Florida to meet St. Thomas Aquinas. The matchup not only pits two of the nation’s top teams against each other but also highlights the growing trend of Texas squads seeking competitive challenges outside their own borders.
Another headline‑grabbing contest will see Southlake Carroll host Jenks, Oklahoma, at the iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. The game revives a traditional rivalry while showcasing the Cotton Bowl’s role as a neutral venue for high‑profile clashes.
Historic Rivalries and Classic Events
The September Roland Parrish Classic will feature a doubleheader at the Cotton Bowl, including a much‑anticipated showdown between Duncanville and DeSoto, as well as a battle between North Shore and South Oak Cliff. Meanwhile, the Jerry Jones Classic at The Ford Center will pit Highland Park against Lewisville in a contest that carries both historic weight and a coveted football trophy.
Aledo, a former state champion, is slated to play its first Class 6A game against North Crowley, marking a new chapter for the program. Across the state, Galena Park North Shore will face John Curtis Christian, a 28‑time Louisiana state champion, adding another layer of regional prestige to the schedule.
The season also includes high‑profile matchups such as San Antonio Cornerstone versus IMG Academy, the No. 1‑ranked team in the country, and a clash between El Paso Eastwood and Utah’s Corner Canyon, the top Texas team in that state. These games underscore the expanding geographic footprint of Texas football and the influx of elite talent that could shape the next generation of college and professional players.