Pitch Threads’ NTXHS Pre-Season 26/27 Football Power Rankings
North Texas football is coming off a wild 2025 season packed with deep playoff runs, statement wins, and a few shock exits. The 2026–27 preseason board reflects who finished strong last fall and who brings back enough firepower to make another run.
6A: Dragon Fire Still Burns Bright
Carroll – The Dragons rolled through the 2025 regular season and pushed deep into the 6A playoffs, reinforcing their status as a perennial title threat.
Duncanville – Duncanville reached the 6A Division I state championship game again before falling short in a defensive slugfest, proving their defense is still elite.
Allen – Allen’s 2025 campaign included a marquee playoff win over North Crowley and another trip to the later rounds, showing the program is firmly back in contention.
North Crowley – North Crowley followed up its breakout run with another strong season that ended against Allen in the postseason, but the Panthers showed they can hang with anyone.
Aledo – New to the 6A Challenge, in 5A, their latest postseason push, Aledo dominated Ryan in a 43–17 playoff win and marched deep into December, extending their modern dynasty, having the run end in the state semi-finals.
Guyer – The Wildcats (also new to 6A) posted another double‑digit‑win season and reached the playoffs, where their explosive offense once again made them a tough out.
Waxahachie – Waxahachie battled through one of the state’s toughest districts and earned a solid playoff berth, bowing out in the middle rounds but gaining experience for 2026.
Prosper – Prosper strung together a strong regular season and notched an early‑round playoff win before exiting in the bracket’s heart, keeping the Eagles firmly on the statewide radar.
5A Division I: Eagles Take Flight
DeSoto – DeSoto goes down to 5A D1 after a historic run in the 6A DII Playoffs, winning the 2025 UIL State Championship with a super team. Many of their superstars have graduated, but there is still depth in SaRod Baker and Lemarcus Summers.
Frisco Lone Star – Lone Star’s offense caught fire in their 2025 playoff run, upsetting Highland Park and Aledo, but sadly coming up short in the State Championship, ending their historic run.
Highland Park – The Scots finished 2025 with a strong record and a mid‑round playoff appearance, falling to Lone Star but proving they remain one of the state’s most consistent programs.
Denton Ryan – Ryan made its usual playoff run before being knocked out by Aledo, a loss that still underscored how often the Raiders find themselves playing in November.
Melissa – In one of the best 5A games of 2025, Melissa edged Argyle 20–19 in the postseason and advanced deep into the bracket, marking another step forward after moving up in class.
Richland Royals – Richland turned in one of the surprise seasons of 2025, stacking wins in district play and advancing in the playoffs to cement their dark‑horse status.
Cedar Hill – Cedar Hill bounced back from a slow start to claim a playoff spot and grab at least one postseason win, setting the stage for an improved 2026 campaign.
Frisco Reedy – Reedy continued its rise with a solid 2025 record and a competitive playoff showing, bowing out against a higher‑seeded opponent but gaining crucial reps for a veteran core.
5A Division II: Experience Meets Momentum
South Oak Cliff – SOC was back in the mix again last year, shutting out Port Neches‑Groves 28–0 in a dominant playoff performance and making another deep December run.
Argyle – Argyle’s 2025 season included multiple playoff wins and a narrow 20–19 postseason loss to Melissa, proving they’re still firmly in the title conversation.
Celina – Celina blasted Alvarado 55–27 in the playoffs and pushed well into the bracket, extending one of the state’s most consistent winning traditions.
Anna – Anna backed up its breakout the year before with another strong playoff appearance, winning in the early rounds and exiting in a tight mid‑bracket matchup.
Panther Creek – Panther Creek stepped onto the big stage in 2025, earning one of the program’s best seasons yet and nearly pulling off an upset in the playoffs.
Frisco High – Frisco turned in a solid winning record and reached the postseason, where they bowed out in the early rounds but proved they belong in the regional conversation.
The Colony – The Cougars grabbed a playoff berth and gave a higher‑ranked opponent a scare before falling late, underscoring their physical, upset‑minded style.
Lovejoy – Lovejoy’s high‑powered offense helped them secure another playoff spot and a high‑scoring postseason game that ultimately ended their 2025 run.
4A: Small Schools, Big Statements
Stephenville – Stephenville powered through 2025 with another strong playoff march, including a 41–21 postseason win over West Plains as they flirted with another title shot.
Alvarado – Alvarado reached the playoffs but ran into a red‑hot Celina squad, ending their season in a high‑scoring loss that still showcased their offensive firepower.
Decatur – Decatur posted yet another winning season and advanced in the 4A playoffs, reinforcing their reputation for consistency and physical play.
Paris – Paris claimed a playoff spot and made noise in the early rounds before bowing out, returning plenty of experience on both sides of the ball.
Carter – Dallas Carter’s 2025 season featured big district wins and a postseason berth, where their athletic defense kept them competitive into November.
Lake Dallas – Lake Dallas pushed into the playoffs and battled a higher‑seeded opponent in a close loss, setting the Falcons up as a genuine sleeper heading into 2026.