Southwest Dominance Shapes 2026 High School Football Landscape
USA TODAY Sports is charting the nation’s high school football hierarchy ahead of the 2026 season, and the Southwest region stands out as a hotbed of tradition and talent. Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and neighboring states have long supplied some of the most celebrated programs, and this year’s rankings reflect that depth.
At the pinnacle, Waxahachie, Texas, holds the No. 1 spot after a 11‑2 campaign in 2025, anchored by quarterback Jerry Meyer III, while Duncanville follows closely with a 12‑2 record and standout signal‑caller Maximus Denson. Southlake Carroll, DeSoto and Bixby round out the early leaders, each boasting elite win totals and coveted recruits.
The narrative extends beyond the top tier. North Shore in Houston, South Oak Cliff in Dallas and North Crowley in Fort Worth each bring formidable 14‑2, 15‑1 and 12‑2 seasons respectively, featuring playmakers such as wide receiver Jerry Outhouse Jr. and offensive tackle Chase Brown. In Colorado, Cherry Creek and Valor Christian showcase unbeaten 14‑0 and 10‑3 campaigns, highlighted by lineman Jackson Roper and quarterback Titus Huard.
These programs are more than numbers; they embody a lineage of excellence that has produced college stars and NFL prospects. The region’s rich history, from the early days of Texas powerhouses to Oklahoma’s dominant outfits, continues to attract top coaches and athletes who view a high school championship as a launchpad for greater ambitions.
USA TODAY Sports will soon expand the conversation with its Super 25 national rankings, slated for release on Tuesday, July 21. The upcoming list will pit the Southwest’s finest against contenders from across the country, offering a final gauge before the 2026 season kicks off.
Meanwhile, a watch list that includes C.E. King in Houston and Stephenville in Texas hints at additional storylines that could reshape the early rankings. As the countdown to July 21 narrows, fans and recruiters alike are eager to see which teams will maintain their momentum and which newcomers will break through.