The 2026 high school football season is already generating buzz in the Dallas metro area, where programs in the 6A, 5A and 4A divisions are stacking talent ahead of what many expect to be a fiercely contested year. Coaches and analysts are pointing to a deep pool of quarterbacks, dual‑threat signal callers and explosive playmakers who could tip the balance in regional races and state title pursuits.
Quarterback Highlights
Buck Randall of Highland Park tops the list after throwing for 4,396 yards and earning the No. 1 quarterback ranking in Texas for 2025. Carter Zingelmann from Coppell, a sophomore already rated the sixth‑best quarterback nationally for the Class of 2028, has posted 1,875 passing yards and over 700 rushing yards. Deshawn Edwards of Mansfield Lake Ridge brings a dual‑threat profile, combining more than 1,300 rushing yards with 2,400 passing yards last season. Jerry Meyer III of Waxahachie returned to lead his squad to a regional final, throwing for over 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Rushing Threats
Kiante Ingram from North Crowley emerged as the area’s leading rusher with more than 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns, while Caris Sela of Justin Northwest added 1,500 yards and committed to TCU. Brennan Lacey in Frisco is projected to be the focal point of his team’s offense, ranking 33rd nationally among running backs for the Class of 2026.
Receivers and Defensive Standouts
Blake Gunter of Southlake Carroll piled up over 1,200 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior, establishing himself as a top target. Defensive standout Zane Rowe from Denton Guyer recorded 72 tackles, 26 for loss, and eight sacks, earning four‑star prospect status. Jayshon Gibson of Richland contributed 2,263 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns, helping his team reach the regional semifinals. Julian Caldwell from Argyle surged with 94 catches for 1,737 yards and 20 touchdowns, showing a dramatic year‑over‑year improvement.
The breadth of talent across these programs suggests that Dallas‑area teams will be major contenders in the upcoming state playoffs. With committed recruits, record‑breaking performances and versatile skill sets, the 2026 season is poised to cement several of these players as cornerstones of their respective programs and potential future college stars.