Texas High School football was well represented across the college football landscape this weekend.
Five former Texas standouts delivered major performances for ranked teams. Three quarterbacks accounted for 10 touchdowns between them. Meanwhile, two former West Texas and Central Texas stars helped No. 12 Texas Tech remain unbeaten.
From Duncanville to South Oak Cliff, Bridgeland to Harker Heights and Lubbock Coronado, their paths started under Friday night lights.
Keelon Russell, Alabama — Duncanville High School
Keelon Russell became one of the nation’s premier recruits during his career at Duncanville.
Russell helped the Panthers win consecutive Class 6A Division I state championships in 2022 and 2023. As a junior, he threw for more than 3,200 yards and 35 touchdowns. Then, during his senior season, Russell again surpassed 3,000 passing yards and approached 50 touchdown passes.
His performance earned him major statewide and national recognition before he signed with Alabama.
After limited action as a freshman, Russell won Alabama’s starting quarterback job in 2026.
On Saturday, he looked every bit like the five-star prospect who starred at Duncanville.
Russell completed 16-of-22 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns against No. 16 Mississippi State. He also rushed for a 17-yard touchdown.
In total, Russell produced 301 yards and four touchdowns as No. 7 Alabama rolled to a 56-23 victory and improved to 5-0.
Conner Weigman, Houston — Bridgeland High School
Before becoming a college quarterback, Conner Weigman helped build Bridgeland into a Houston-area contender.
As a junior, Weigman threw for more than 3,800 yards and 42 touchdowns. He also added 581 rushing yards and nine more scores.
Then, as a senior, he accounted for 34 touchdowns and nearly 2,900 total yards while leading Bridgeland deep into the playoffs.
Weigman originally signed with Texas A&M and flashed his potential early in his college career. He eventually transferred to Houston, where the move gave him a fresh opportunity.
This weekend, Houston needed every bit of his experience.
The No. 20 Cougars trailed UCF 17-0 before scoring 27 unanswered points.
Weigman threw for 239 yards and rushed for 50 more. Most importantly, he scored three touchdowns on the ground.
Houston won 27-17 and improved to 4-1.
Kevin Jennings, SMU — South Oak Cliff High School
Few players connect Texas High School football and college football in Dallas quite like Kevin Jennings.
Jennings led South Oak Cliff to the 2021 Class 5A Division II state championship. That title marked the first football state championship for a Dallas ISD program since 1958.
He earned district MVP honors before staying in the Dallas area and signing with SMU.
Since then, Jennings has become one of the defining players of SMU’s resurgence.
He worked his way from backup to starter and helped the Mustangs reach the ACC Championship Game and College Football Playoff.
On Saturday, Jennings accounted for three of SMU’s four touchdowns in a 25-16 win over Boston College.
He completed 20-of-30 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Jennings also rushed for another score.
No. 21 SMU improved to 4-1 with the victory.
John Curry, Texas Tech — Lubbock Coronado High School
John Curry did not have to travel far to make his college football impact.
The Lubbock Coronado product recorded 260 tackles during his High School career. As a senior, Curry finished with 119 tackles, seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
He also forced three fumbles and earned all-district recognition before receiving an opportunity from Texas Tech.
Curry gradually developed into a major contributor in Lubbock.
After beginning on special teams, he eventually became a full-time starter and developed into one of the Red Raiders’ key defensive pieces.
His biggest moment this weekend came with Texas Tech protecting a fourth-quarter lead at Colorado.
Curry intercepted a pass in the end zone and returned it for a touchdown.
The pick-six helped break open what had been a close game. No. 12 Texas Tech eventually won 29-7 and improved to 5-0.
Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech — Harker Heights High School
Terrance Carter Jr. developed into a versatile offensive weapon at Harker Heights.
After playing quarterback earlier in his career, Carter transitioned to tight end. The move helped reshape his recruiting future.
As a junior, he caught 34 passes for 555 yards and six touchdowns. Then, as a senior, Carter earned District 12-6A Offensive MVP honors.
Carter began his college career at Louisiana before eventually transferring to Texas Tech.
He continued developing into a reliable receiving threat and entered this season as one of the Red Raiders’ most experienced offensive weapons.
On Saturday, Carter became Texas Tech’s leading receiver against Colorado.
He caught eight passes for 67 yards. More importantly, his 11-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter gave Texas Tech its first lead.
The Red Raiders never trailed again.
From state championship quarterbacks to players who developed into college standouts, Texas High School football once again left its fingerprints all over a major college football weekend.
