Dave Campbell's Texas Football has released its preseason predictions for Class 4A high school football teams across Texas, zeroing in on the Big Country region that includes three competitive districts: 12‑4A Division I, 2‑4A Division II, and 13‑4A Division II. The forecast not only maps out enrollment figures and coaching staffs but also sets the stage for a season that could reshape the state’s playoff picture.
Big Country’s 4A Landscape
At the heart of the conversation is the Stephenville Yellow Jackets, who sit at No. 1 in 4A Division I. The team boasts a storied history of seven state championships, and its quarterback, Trot Jordan, earned a spot on DCTF’s 4A preseason all‑state squad, underscoring the quarterback’s elite status heading into the new campaign.
Not far behind, the Brownwood Lions have been slotted at No. 23 in 4A Division II. After reaching the 4A DI Area finals last year, the Lions look to build on that momentum, while the district also features strong showings from China Spring, Lampasas, Jarrell, and a host of other programs that made deep runs in the 2025 season.
The preseason all‑state selections extend beyond quarterbacks, with players such as Jacob Lessman, Buddha Guerra, Toby Porter, Brice McCurdy and Craig Davis also highlighted for their potential impact. Their performances will be closely watched as the teams navigate district play and aim for playoff advancement.
Among the area’s recent playoff achievements, the China Spring Cougars fell just short in the 4A DII Area finals, while the Lampasas Badgers, Jarrell Cougars, Seminole Indians, Waco La Vega Pirates, Robinson Rockets, Salado Eagles, and Gatesville Hornets each captured notable victories in the 2025 postseason. These results have set high expectations for the upcoming year.
Campus predictions point to Stephenville as the favored team to win the Division I title, while the forecast crowns Carthage as the projected champion in Division II. If the projections hold, the state championship games could feature a classic showdown between the Yellow Jackets and the Bulldogs, adding extra intrigue to the schedule.
Coaches and athletic directors across the Big Country area are already adjusting practice schedules and non‑district matchups to align with the projected strengths of their squads. With enrollment numbers, returning starters, and early‑season tournaments all factored into the forecasts, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory.