The 2026 Texas high school football season begins this week, marked by coaching changes and realignment shifts across the Fort Worth area. Star-Telegram preseason coverage highlights several key developments, including Aledo’s first season in Class 6A and the return of a quarterback after a long absence.
Richland senior running back Jayshon Gibson leads the area’s Top 100 players to watch list. As a four-star recruit and a pledge to UCLA, Gibson rushed for 2,263 yards and 41 touchdowns during his junior year. He is joined on the Preseason All-Area Super Team by Fort Worth Arlington Heights senior Carson James and North Crowley senior Elijajuan Houston.
North Crowley enters the season ranked No. 1 in Class 6A, while Richland holds the top spot in Class 5A. Fort Worth All Saints leads the private school rankings following a victory over Dallas Parish Episcopal. Aledo, ranked No. 16 in the state, returns only one offensive starter but relies on defensive veteran Tymon Meeks.
In a recent scrimmage at Tim Buchanan Stadium, Lewisville transfer quarterback Tre Williams completed 14 of 21 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
New North Crowley head coach DeMarcus Harris stated that the team’s goals remain consistent, citing the district, playoffs, and state as annual targets. The program has maintained a 54-4 record since 2022. At Southlake Carroll, Lee Munn takes over as head coach, replacing Riley Dodge.
The team is seeking its first state title since 2011. Keller Central improved from a 1-9 record to 5-5 under second-year coach Eric Vance and won the Division I 7-on-7 state title in June, led by twins Isaiah and Jeremiah Taylor.
