The Fresno Bee has rolled out a new preseason format for its high school football rankings, dividing the 2026 edition into five separate releases. The first release spotlights teams ranked 21 through 25, with their season openers scheduled for August 20‑21 across the central San Joaquin Valley.
Among those teams, the Liberty‑Bakersfield Patriots enter the rankings after losing running back Dennis Perry and Carter Hanson, forcing the squad to lean heavily on a defense anchored by 6‑foot‑5 Pierce Buckey.
The Clovis Cougars, who saw junior star running back James Curoso depart, are counting on the return of Brock Hartmann, Sterling Edwards and Brixton Bridger to shore up a defense that could surprise opponents.
Defensive Rebuilding
McLane Highlanders, despite a wave of transfer departures, are expected to be a physically imposing group, with Junior Raygoza leading the rushing attack and key linemen Brody Contreras and Noah Bridges providing depth.
Immanuel Eagles, fresh off a CIF Central Section Division IV championship in 2025, bring back standout CB/WR Mason Hernandez and TE/LB Amos Jackson, who should continue to drive both sides of the ball.
Templeton Eagles feature Fresno State commit Colter Tannehill at quarterback and return WR/S Colby Sims, while their defense boasts all‑league first‑teamers Jose Diaz, Jesse Grinnell and Nick Capaci.
The rankings underscore how recent transfers and the resulting adjustments on both sides of the ball will shape each team’s prospects as the new season approaches.