Whether it be a team that's knocked on the door or a new program loaded with talent, these are the programs who could break through.

6A: Humble Atascocita Eagles

Craig Stump has led Humble Atascocita to seven of the last nine regional finals, but his Eagles have lost to North Shore in the playoffs each of the last four years. Could 2025 be the year the Eagles make their first state championship? It all starts with senior athlete Cardae Mack, whose 3,782 total yards at quarterback last season earned him District 23-6A Overall MVP. He should see more time at running back this year. The offense has the headliner, but Stump says the defense has more experience with returning starters like linebacker Rayvion Sauls and cornerback Trenton Blaylock.

5A: Frisco Lone Star Rangers

Lone Star seeks to become the first Frisco ISD team to ever win a state championship. Jeff Rayburn's Rangers have arguably the best skill position players in Class 5A. Karece Hoyt totaled 4,855 yards and 35 touchdowns as a sophomore and returns with DCTF four-star athlete Davian Groce and Oklahoma tight end commit Ryder Mix. Lone Star needs an inexperienced offensive line to jell together before playoff time. On defense, safety Jordan Deck was a unanimous First Team All-District selection and linebacker Nico Viveros returns after totaling 80.5 tackles. 

4A: Canyon West Plains Wolves

Canyon West Plains' Class of 2026 is already making history this fall as the first to attend all four years at the new high school, and they're hoping to celebrate with a state title. The Wolves return 10 offensive starters and seven defensive starters from a team that took Class 4A DI state champion Celina to the wire in a 43-36 loss, including four-year starter and District 2-4A DI Overall MVP quarterback Reid Macon. Macon has a 1,697-yard rusher (Slade Russell) and 1,065-yard wide receiver (Kane White-Tinsley) at his disposal. White-Tinsley also had nine interceptions on defense. 

3A: Hitchcock Bulldogs

We know, we know. How could Hitchcock win it all after losing three Power Four football players in QB Lloyd Jones II, WR Kelshaun Johnson and DL Malcolm Simpson? The Bulldogs return a senior-heavy defense led by defensive backs Brian Harris (five INTs in 2024) and Averett Lacy (two-year starter), as well as Defensive Lineman of the Year Demarcus Blackmon. Head coach Craig Smith said his program is excited about the sophomore class, as well. Cam'Ron Taylor is the name to know after debuting as a freshman with over 60 tackles.

2A: Gruver Greyhounds 

In two years, head coach Kurt Haberthur has led Gruver to two district championships and a 14-1 record last season.The Greyhounds bring back most of the skill position players from 2024. Senior quarterback Briggs Satterfield is the dual-threat, dynamic athlete that makes it all go with 3,919 total yards and 55 touchdowns. He returns three top wide receivers in Brock Butler (703 receiving yards, 84 tackles), Nick Shepard (766 yards, 11 TDs) and Mason Lankford. Victor Flores is the senior leader on defense with 127 tackles and 21 tackles for loss. The Greyhounds will be pushed by Stratford in District 1-2A DII.