​The annual Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine issue provides an early glimpse at West Texas and the Concho Valley’s high school football programs that are likely to contend for district titles, postseason success, and state championships. The 2026 season marks the first under the UIL’s latest Reclassification and Realignment, which has introduced a number of changes that will shape how teams compete in the region. Among the most notable shifts are Wall’s jump to Class 3A Division I after claiming the Division II state crown last season, and Brady’s move from 3A to 2A, continuing a recent trend of West Texas programs transitioning between these classifications. Despite these shifts, several traditional powers—Wall, Mason, Ozona, and Junction—are still projected by the magazine to capture district championships.
The West Texas and Concho Valley region opens the 2026 cycle with 10 teams listed in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football preseason state polls. In Class 3A Division I, Wall sits at No. 6. In Class 2A Division I, Mason is ranked No. 5, Ozona No. 16, and San Saba No. 21. In Class 2A Division II, Junction appears at No. 11 while Goldthwaite checks in at No. 13. Among the 1A divisions, Menard is No. 13 in Division I, Water Valley No. 14, and Sterling City No. 23 in Division I. In Division II, Richland Springs is listed at No. 4. These rankings reflect the area’s breadth of talent and the depth of competition that coaches and fans can expect as the season unfolds.
Within district play, several districts highlight the region’s competitive landscape. District 2-6A features Odessa Permian at the top, followed by Midland Legacy, San Angelo Central, Midland, and Odessa, with San Angelo Central’s quarterback, Micah Smith, earning Offensive MVP recognition for his standout performance. District 3-4A Division I places Midland Greenwood first, trailed by Andrews, Plainview, and San Angelo Lake View, signaling a balanced mix of veteran programs and rising contenders. In District 2-4A Division II, Seminole leads, with Fort Stockton, Big Spring, Pecos, Monahans, and Snyder also vying for playoff positions. The district’s competitive balance sets the stage for intriguing late-season matchups and critical seeding implications.
In Class 3-3A Division I, Wall is projected as the top team, followed by Llano, Ingram Moore, Early, and TLCA in San Angelo, illustrating the high level of heat Wall will bring to the field in its new classification. The District 3-3A Division II rankings place Coahoma first, with San Angelo Grape Creek, Crane, Alpine, Stanton, and Anthony behind them, highlighting a tight scramble for playoff berths in a region known for physical, grind-it-out football. Coahoma’s quarterback Austin Joslin headlines the offensive unit, supported by defensive standout Hayden Simpson for a formidable pair that could shape the district’s outcomes. Grape Creek’s defense also figures prominently in the mix, underscoring the district’s balanced talent.
Turning to 4-2A and 7-2A divisions, Ozona leads 4-2A Division I, followed by Sonora, Forsan, Christoval, Ballinger, Reagan County, and Colorado City, setting up a challenging path through district competition. On offense, Sonora’s Aaron Segura and Ozona’s Kalob Ramon anchor the units and defenses, respectively, as each team eyes postseason runs. In 7-2A Division I, Mason sits atop the standings with San Saba, Johnson City, and Brady trailing, while Bangs and Coleman are also in the mix, illustrating a district rich in talent and potential playoff entrants. For 4-2A Division II, Wink leads, with Iraan, Eldorado, McCamey, and Van Horn following as key contenders.
The 7-2A Division II rankings feature Albany at No. 1, with Goldthwaite, Stamford, Cross Plains, Hamlin, Miles, and Winters also in the frame, pointing to a region-wide tapestry of competitive programs and potential playoff upsets. In 14-2A Division II, Junction leads, followed by Brackettville, Harper, Sabinal, D’Hanis, La Pryor, and Center Point, highlighting a district with a strong defensive emphasis and a number of teams ready to challenge for postseason honors. Junction’s Koda Bierschwale earns Defensive MVP honors in the division, underscoring the district’s emphasis on stout play on both sides of the ball.
As always, these rankings and projections are subject to the developments of the UIL’s realignment and the unpredictable nature of football, where a single season can redefine expectations for programs across West Texas and the Concho Valley. Fans can anticipate a season filled with high-intensity district clashes, breakthrough performances from emerging stars, and strategic coaching battles that will determine which teams advance to the postseason and pursue state championship dreams. For fans following high school football in this region, the 2026 campaign promises exciting storylines, memorable games, and a continued tradition of excellence across Wall, Mason, Ozona, Junction, and the broader West Texas landscape.