As the summer heat fades and teams gather for preseason drills, the conversation in Central Oregon quickly turns to the big questions that will shape the 2026 football landscape.
Conference power shifts
Summit High School has built a reputation as the Intermountain Conference’s perennial powerhouse, but the 2026 season brings a rare sense of uncertainty. After a string of titles, the Storm now face the possibility of a new challenger, with Mountain View and other rivals eyeing the top spot.
Ridgeview’s ascent has been nothing short of dramatic. From just two wins in 2022, the program surged to seven victories in 2024, clinching a playoff berth and hinting at further growth. Quarterback Gage Hobbs returns, while two‑way standouts Danner Frost and Ryden Nakamura add depth that could push the team even higher.
Culver’s legacy adds another layer of intrigue. A six‑time state champion, the Bulldogs have posted back‑to‑back nine‑win seasons in 2024 and 2025. If they replicate that success in 2026, it would mark their first three consecutive winning campaigns since the late 1990s, potentially propelling them past the quarterfinal round in the 2A brackets.
The IMC’s playoff format, which allocates only two automatic bids, means that even teams finishing outside the top two can still earn a spot. Since 2024, at least one conference squad has secured an at‑large invitation each year, and Ridgeview and Bend both benefited in 2025. That precedent suggests the door remains open for surprise entrants.
What’s at stake
Beyond bragging rights, the upcoming season will test how new coaching strategies, player development and scheduling choices translate into on‑field results. For the athletes, the promise of a deep playoff run fuels motivation; for the community, it reinforces a football culture that has become a cornerstone of Central Oregon’s identity.