6A

Katy Tigers 2026 Season Preview

by
Adam Ogburn
August 5

Katy Tigers

Head Coach: Gary Joseph (23rd season; 286-31 record)

Last Season: 10-3; 8-0 in district (Lost to Summer Creek in regional semifinals)

Returning Lettermen: 21 (4 returning starters on offense; 7 on defense)

Katy Key Players and Storylines

Death. Taxes. Katy running the football down its opponents’ throats. The Tigers rushed for over 4,700 yards a year ago, and they’re looking to repeat that feat again this season.

Their offensive line will be sturdy with 6’3”, 300-pound senior Wyatt Moebes leading the way alongside 6’3”, 295-pound senior Isaac Coughran, a three-year starter. They should open plenty of holes for senior running back Tony Manuel (1,049 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns) and junior CJ Watts (699 rushing yards and seven touchdowns), who will lead the Katy backfield.

RB ’27 | 5’9 180 | Katy HS (TX)
4.5 40 | 280 Bench | 250 Power Clean | 3.2 GPA

– 1049 rushing yards
– 15 touchdowns
– 124 carries

@Katyfootball @ForwardAthletes @OfficialKatyFB @iam_alinedouard @PrepRedzoneTX @PrepRedzone

🎥 Hudl: https://t.co/45VjbMAGWc pic.twitter.com/XrjTaxvZzX

— Tony “T3” Manuel lll (@Tony_Manuel3) January 6, 2026

Defensively, the Tigers have a dynamic duo in the secondary with ballhawk corner David Olotu-Judah (37 tackles, seven INTs) and safety Colt Venier (57 tackles). Both had strong sophomore seasons. The Tigers have a trio of outstanding tacklers in the middle of the field with nickel Caleb Ritter (54 tackles) and linebackers Wes Sewell (52 tackles) and Aeferi Davies (46 tackles). Look for three-year starter nose guard Terry Brister (27 tackles) to be their anchor in the trenches.

Katy hasn’t been past the third round of playoffs since 2022. Last year, they fell just one point short of clearing that hurdle in a 38-37 regional semifinal loss to Summer Creek. But with 11 starters back from that group, expectations are high as Katy looks to re-establish itself as a state title threat.