The Orem Tigers enter the 2026 season as the clear preseason favorites in Region 7, riding the momentum of a 12‑2 campaign that culminated in a 5A state championship last year. Their championship culture and depth have positioned them at the top of Utah’s most competitive high school football region.
Coaching Change and Roster Depth
Head coach Andy Stokes, who previously guided Dixie and Crimson Cliffs to prominence, takes the reins of the Tigers, bringing a fresh philosophy while preserving the program’s winning traditions.
Returning on offense are four starters — Maui Tonata, Taio Fano, Noah Seufale and Beckham Moon — who will anchor the line, while the defense brings back three starters, including MJ Bateman, Will Rasmussen and Jag Ioane, giving the team continuity on both sides of the ball.
The region’s landscape remains tough, with Springville, the previous runner‑up, expected to finish second after emphasizing defense and time‑of‑possession, and Timpview, boasting eight returning starters, projected to follow in third. Other contenders such as Pleasant Grove, Maple Mountain, Spanish Fork and Payson Lions are all looking to improve, but the Tigers’ schedule draws national powerhouses and the state’s elite programs, providing a stern test of their depth.
Orem’s primary mission is to defend both its region title and the 5A state championship, a goal that hinges on maintaining the high standards set by last year’s squad while adapting to new challenges. With a blend of experienced leadership and youthful talent, the Tigers are poised to once again be the team to beat in Utah football.