Round Rock High School’s 2026 football team entered the preseason with a No. 9 ranking in the Austin‑area poll, a placement that reflects both the program’s recent growth and the expectations of local observers.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Dov Stickler, who took over late last season, returns as the starter and will be joined by wide receiver Dylan Jaeger, a three‑star recruit who signed with TCU after posting 66 catches for 995 yards and nine touchdowns. On the line, offensive guard Colton Steed also committed to the Horned Frogs, giving the Dragons a core of future college talent.
The schedule promises tough tests. After a 5‑6 finish in 2025, the team now faces Lake Travis and Westlake, both playoff contenders, while the removal of Vandegrift from the district reshapes the competitive landscape. Non‑district matchups against Weiss, Temple, Dripping Springs and the former district rival Vandegrift add further depth to a demanding calendar.
Offensively, the Dragons averaged 35.3 points per game last year, but close losses in district play — such as a 30‑29 defeat to Vista Ridge and a 33‑31 setback against Hutto — highlighted a need to finish games stronger. The coaching staff has emphasized defensive consistency and the ability to close out tight contests as the season progresses.
With a focus on tightening the defense and capitalizing on the experience of Stickler, Steed and Jaeger, the Dragons aim to translate their preseason buzz into a deeper playoff run. The upcoming games against Lake Travis on Oct. 30 and a home clash with Westlake on Oct. 1 will serve as early barometers for a team poised to climb beyond its ninth‑seed ranking.