The Mustangs enter the 2026 campaign with a dramatically altered roster, having lost 21 seniors who anchored the previous 9‑3 season. Among those departures are multi‑year starters who shaped both the offense and defense, leaving a void that the coaching staff must now fill.
A Season of Transition
Head coach Akeem Levinston has outlined a clear philosophy: use the transition period to cultivate leadership among the remaining and newer players. He notes that the departure of 21 participants has reshaped practice structures and demands a greater emphasis on adaptability.
A notable shift comes at the quarterback position, where a former receiver has been moved back under center. Alongside him, four fresh offensive linemen are being integrated into the line, while established figures such as senior linebacker Brian Collier will see their workloads deliberately reduced to give younger teammates meaningful reps.
The team’s early schedule pits them against Whitesboro on August 28, a program with deep historical ties to City View’s coaching staff. Levinston expects Whitesboro to field a more seasoned squad, but he remains focused on weekly preparation to ensure the Mustangs are competitive in district play.
Past performance offers a modest point of optimism: City View broke a long‑standing drought by defeating Holliday in the most recent meeting, the first victory since 2019. That result serves as a reference point for the current group as they aim to translate developmental progress into tangible wins when district play begins.
Ultimately, the primary objective for the 2026 season is not to replicate previous win totals but to accelerate the growth of a younger roster. By prioritizing experience‑building opportunities and maintaining a resilient mindset, the Mustangs hope to emerge stronger as the season unfolds.