Here at SMG Sports, our favorite Season is back. It’s time for high school football in Texas again. Last season was a season of dynasties as some fell while others added to their legacy. Almost as legendary as last football season, the offseason has been as dramatic as they come. With a slew of transfers came rulings of ineligibility that have tanked programs plans and projections for the postseason. None bigger than JJ Meredith’s ineligibility that led to him reclassifying and joining the University of Texas Longhorn football team to play this season there instead of North Crowley. Other transfer ineligibilities affected Colton Nussmeier who transferred from Flower Mound Marcus to Denton Ryan last school year and Bo Davis. If standout athletes transfers can’t stand up against eligibility rulings what or who will? The UIL has reinforced its commitment to parity by barring transfers and giving former coaches the chance to opine whether a student’s transfer was for athletic reasons or not. The UIL has a strict policy against students transferring for athletic reasons. Nussmeir has since transferred out of state and will play at Archbishop Rummel in Metairie just hours away from his brother, Garrett at LSU.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the southern Dallas County corridor, Texas Tech commit Jalen Brewster (DT) transferred to from Cedar Hill to Buford (Georgia) High School. The move best described by Brewster described to Rivals that best suits his plan to graduate in December and stay on track academically and athletically. Brewster will graduate early, much like Ethan “Boobie” Feaster whose championship win and Offensive MVP were the perfect close to a historic high school football career. He joins the ranks of Texas bred wide receivers like Super Bowl Champion Jackson Smith-Njigba and Quentin Gibson as he heads to college, already making a name for himself at the University of Souther California under coach Lincoln Riley.
In journalism, there’s a mantra that the reporter should never become the news being reported. For the UIL, this should apply as each week, teams across the state will see the ramifications of transfer rulings play out while as many students have lost their right to play. The governing body has become the biggest grievance of the season before play begins. Besides the heat, a shortage of referees may cause game scheduling to shift to more Thursday games, away from the lore of Friday night football. One final thought about the UIL offseason worth noting. Football coaches, athletic directors, and academic coordinators should begin working together to mitigate the potential for ineligible rulings. If a known athlete transfers into your school and wants to play in your program, you owe it to them to ensure that their attendance at your school is for more than sports. Many school have early college and career preparatory programs that will keep student athletes engaged and out of the line of fire questioning their eligibility and reason for transfer.
In TAPPS football news, Fort Worth All-Saints has springloaded its roster with offensive firepower from near and far in hopes of a TAPPS Division II threepeat. Additions of Noah Tarrant, his cousin Brayden Boults, Carmelo Carter (Arlington Heights), and Braylon Davis (Mansfield Summit).
As the UIL football competitive schedule begins this week, many questions remain. To be honest, the biggest questions are in 6A with the “District of Doom.” North Crowley is looking resurgent but how will they fare opening the season against Aledo, Southlake Carroll and Houston Summer Creek? Playoff contenders Waxahachie, Crowley, Duncanville and Lake Ridge await them in remaining games this season. Aledo felt like a lock to win it all last year before falling to a bold comeback by Frisco Lone Star late in the fourth quarter. Aledo’s championship pedigree has prepared them for the tough challenges they’ll face this year and adjust to in the years to come.
Read our North Crowley Season Preview
In 6A, Duncanville and North Shore added to their historic rivalry with a 10-7 North Shore victory. Desoto bested C.E. King with a dominating performance from the outset of the game. In 5A, Smithson Valley and South Oak Cliff reigned supreme in commanding wins. In 4A, the championship trophy traveled a familiar route, to Stephenville and Carthage as Stephenville collected its seventh while the bulldogs of Carthage collected their 11th State Championship under coach Scott Surratt.
A look back at Ring Season in Texas
In Fort Worth, the newly formed 5-4A district includes perennial first round opponent Kennedale and creates a juggernaut for teams eyeing the postseason. Southwest, Eastern Hills, Benbrook and Carter Riverside will be fighting hard for playoff positions as the season rounds out. Eastern Hills faced a determined Celina team and held on as best they could but they were just too much. Coach Devvin Anderson praised his team for their pose in the face of an insurmountable matchup. The team came away with away with life positive pointers and life lessons we’re sure they have applied to their approach to this season. You can read more about District 5-4A in our season preview. In the District 4-5A, newcomer Brewer is now a district rival and the rematch of last year’s first round playoff matchup will be a game to watch. Arlington Heights and Brewer are SMG Sports early season picks to vie for first place in the district.
Looking Back at District 5-4A 2025 Season
Looking back at District 4-5A 2025
As football season kicks off, we’re looking at perennial state powerhouses to hold their positions with rematches clearing the path through the playoffs and deciding championship game berths. Our coverage this year will take us to games throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex as the area is home to several state championship contenders.
Fred Willis’ picks for UIL State Football Championships
4A Division 1
Stephenville
4A Division 2
Carthage
5A Division 1
Desoto
5A Division 2
South Oak Cliff
6A
North Crowley, Undecided
