The Deseret News has unveiled its 2026 preseason high school football rankings, placing seven programs at the pinnacle of their respective classifications. The list reflects a blend of tradition and transition, as coaches across the state submitted personal top‑five ballots that were aggregated to produce the final order.
Defending Champions Lead the Pack
What makes the rankings especially compelling is that six of the seven teams sit atop their divisions after having captured state titles the previous year, underscoring a continuity of excellence that few programs achieve.
The lone exception is the 3A bracket, where Morgan earned the preseason No. 1 nod despite not being the reigning champion, setting the stage for a potential upset.
The season is slated to kick off on August 13, with Mountain Ridge hosting Skyridge in a highly anticipated opener that will set the tone for the year ahead.
In 6A, Corner Canyon begins the campaign as the top‑ranked squad even though it will be led by a new head coach, Casey Sutera, who replaces Eric Kjar. Sutera inherits a program with deep playoff experience and a strong returning core.
Orem, the defending 5A champion, also starts at No. 1, but under first‑year head coach Andy Stokes, who inherits a roster brimming with returning starters and a culture of winning.
Ridgeline’s ascent to the No. 1 spot in 4A follows a flawless 14‑0 campaign last season, and the team returns six offensive and four defensive starters, giving it a strong foundation for another dominant year.
San Juan, a perennial powerhouse in 2A, retains the top ranking, boasting a storied five‑year championship streak that has become a hallmark of the program and a benchmark for excellence.
Kanab climbs to No. 1 in 1A after securing its first state championship in nearly two decades, a milestone that has energized the community and highlighted the program’s resurgence.
Finally, Rich High holds the No. 1 position in the 1A 8‑player division, a classification it has dominated for three consecutive years, reinforcing its reputation as a dynasty in that niche.