2A D1 Playoff Bracket
The 2026 UIL 2A Division I playoffs begin November 12 through 14. The state championship is scheduled for December 17 at 3 p.m. Central at AT&T Stadium.
Shiner is my pick to win it all, but five or six other teams have a strong chance. Muenster leads the challengers, followed by Axtell, Mason, Ganado, Thorndale and Post.
However, Muenster, Axtell and Mason share Region II. Shiner, Ganado and Thorndale share Region IV. Only two of my top six teams can reach the state semifinals.
Region I: Post Gets the Pick
The Post Antelopes enter at 9-1 after defeating New Deal 46-22. They have won six straight since a 28-24 loss to Slaton.
Beyond the record, Post’s 42-0 victory over New Home stands out. That result came against a team the Antelopes could see again in the regional championship.
First comes Ozona, followed by Olton or Amarillo Highland Park if Post advances. Sonora is a potential third-round opponent.
On the opposite half, Panhandle, Forsan, Tulia and New Home have opportunities to build a run. I consider Post the strongest team in this region, regardless of which opponent reaches the final.
Still, winning the region would only get the Antelopes to a semifinal against the Region II survivor. I have Post reaching that game, but the competition would become considerably more difficult.
Region II: Muenster Ahead of Axtell and Mason
The Muenster Hornets enter at 9-1 after shutting out Olney 76-0. Quarterback Carter Heller averages 114.3 rushing yards per game, adding another responsibility for opposing defenses.
Beyond the current production, Muenster won the last two 2A Division II championships. I trust that postseason experience in a region featuring three of my top four teams.
First comes Hawley, with San Saba or Valley Mills awaiting the winner. Cisco could provide the Hornets’ third-round test.
Meanwhile, the Axtell Longhorns finished 10-0 after defeating Dawson 58-13. They outscored opponents 548-87, making their defense just as important to this discussion as their offense.
Axtell opens against Bangs, followed by De Leon or Alvord if the Longhorns advance. From there, a regional semifinal against Mason could decide which team challenges Muenster.
The Mason Punchers also finished 10-0, closing with a 53-6 victory over Coleman. They open against Itasca, with Tioga or Anson next.
For me, Muenster’s running threat at quarterback could be decisive against Axtell. A defense can account for the backfield and still lose a critical third down when Heller keeps the ball himself.
Although I rank Mason fourth overall, I am picking Axtell in that potential third-round matchup. Ultimately, I have Muenster defeating Axtell for the regional championship. Neither selection comes with much separation between the teams.
Region III: Price Carlisle Leads Cooper and Pewitt
The Price Carlisle Indians enter at 10-0 after defeating Cayuga 63-14. They produced 225 rushing yards and 153 passing yards in that victory.
For me, that balance makes Carlisle the strongest team in Region III. The Indians open against Honey Grove, with Beckville or Garrison awaiting if they advance.
Meanwhile, the Cooper Bulldogs finished 8-2 after beating Rivercrest 48-3. They rushed for 240 yards in that game and open against Como-Pickton.
Should both teams advance twice, Carlisle and Cooper would meet in the regional semifinals. I am picking Carlisle, but Cooper’s rushing attack could make that a demanding matchup.
On the opposite half, the Omaha Pewitt Brahmas enter at 9-1 and open against Joaquin. Running back Zahkevion Betts averages 162.9 rushing yards per game.
From there, I have Pewitt reaching the regional championship. Although Cooper ranks higher on my list, the Bulldogs occupy Carlisle’s half of the bracket.
Ultimately, Carlisle gets my pick over Pewitt. The Indians sit eighth in my overall rankings, but I expect them to represent Region III.
Region IV: Shiner Leads a Crowded Field
The Shiner Comanches enter at 10-0 after outscoring opponents 431-85. Their defense is the biggest reason I am picking them to finish the season with a championship.
Importantly, Shiner has already beaten Ganado 41-23 and Poth 14-7. Those results show the Comanches can win against quality opponents without needing every game to become a shootout.
First comes Freer, followed by Lovelady or Granger if Shiner advances. The 9-1 Rosebud-Lott Cougars open against Corrigan-Camden and are my projected third-round opponent for the Comanches.
Despite Rosebud-Lott’s strong season, I am taking Shiner in that matchup. The Cougars remain a team capable of testing that prediction.
On the opposite half, Thorndale finished 10-0 after shutting out Bruceville-Eddy 47-0. The Bulldogs also defeated Rosebud-Lott 48-25 and open against Groveton.
Meanwhile, the Refugio Bobcats enter at 7-3 after beating Premont 64-6. They face Weimar, creating a potential second-round meeting with Thorndale. I am taking the Bulldogs.
The Ganado Indians also enter at 7-3 after defeating Bloomington 56-14. They open against Taft, with Leon or Bruceville-Eddy awaiting the winner.
From there, I have Ganado defeating Thorndale in the regional semifinals. Ultimately, I am picking Shiner over Ganado in a regional championship rematch.
Final Four and State Champion Predictions
My predicted Final Four features the Post Antelopes, Muenster Hornets, Price Carlisle Indians and Shiner Comanches.
In the semifinals, I am picking Muenster over Post and Shiner over Carlisle. That would produce another Shiner versus Muenster championship matchup, this time in Division I.
Muenster defeated Shiner in the 2024 and 2025 Division II title games. This year, I expect the Comanches to reverse that result.
Ultimately, I trust Shiner’s defense to make the difference in a close championship game. The Comanches are my choice, but this field offers several credible alternatives.
My prediction for the 2026 UIL 2A Division I state champion: Shiner Comanches.
