The 2026 UIL 6A Division I playoffs begin November 12 through 14, with the state championship scheduled for December 19. Sixty-four teams enter the postseason, but only one will finish with six playoff victories and a state title.
Allen enters as my leading championship contender, followed by North Shore, Katy and Summer Creek. All three Houston-area teams are in Region III, guaranteeing that at least two will be eliminated before the state semifinals. Several other contenders, including Waxahachie, Lewisville and Cibolo Steele, also have legitimate championship aspirations.
Region I: Allen Leads a Deep Field
The Allen Eagles enter the playoffs at 10-0 after defeating Prosper Walnut Grove 63-7. Zach Williams has 15 total touchdowns, while Jrue Simmons averages 72.6 rushing yards per game. Allen opens against Hebron, with the Euless Trinity versus Plano East winner awaiting in the area round.
Lewisville could present Allen’s biggest challenge in Region I. The Fighting Farmers closed the regular season with a 41-14 victory over Little Elm. However, their opening-round opponent is 9-1 Prosper, making that one of the region’s more intriguing first-round matchups.
The Odessa Permian Panthers also enter undefeated at 10-0 after defeating San Angelo Central 31-8. Permian opens against El Paso Eastlake, with a potential third-round matchup against Allen looming. Both teams occupy the same half of the regional bracket, meaning only one could reach the regional final.
Arlington Martin is another undefeated contender. The Warriors finished 10-0, closing with a 70-14 victory over Granbury. Running back Javian Jones-Priest scored four touchdowns in that game, including three rushing scores. Martin opens against Trophy Club Byron Nelson, with a possible third-round meeting against Lewisville.
My projected regional semifinals feature Allen defeating Permian and Lewisville defeating Martin. From there, I’m picking Allen to defeat Lewisville and advance to the state semifinals.
Region II: Waxahachie Gets the Pick
The Waxahachie Indians enter the postseason at 9-1, highlighted by a 35-28 victory over Duncanville. The Indians also scored 59 points against Mansfield in their regular-season finale. Their ability to compete in close games while producing explosive offensive performances makes them a serious threat in Region II.
Waxahachie opens against Copperas Cove, with a possible area-round matchup against Sachse. The Indians have a challenging path, particularly with The Woodlands positioned on their side of the bracket.
The Woodlands Highlanders also enter at 9-1 after defeating Conroe Oak Ridge 63-7. They open against Aldine Nimitz and could face Klein in the area round. Should both teams advance, Waxahachie and The Woodlands would meet in the regional semifinals.
That potential matchup could determine the region’s strongest remaining contender. I like Waxahachie to get past The Woodlands and ultimately emerge from Region II, earning a spot in the state semifinals.
Region III: North Shore, Katy and Summer Creek Collide
Region III features three of the state’s strongest championship contenders, with North Shore, Katy and Summer Creek all positioned for potentially difficult postseason runs.
The North Shore Mustangs enter at 9-1 after allowing just 114 points across 10 regular-season games. Their defense has been a major strength throughout the season. North Shore also defeated Summer Creek 28-27, demonstrating how closely matched two of the region’s top teams are.
Katy completed an undefeated 10-0 regular season while averaging 50.3 points per game and allowing just 10.9. Running back Tony Manuel III contributed 956 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. The Tigers have demonstrated the offensive production and defensive consistency necessary for a deep playoff run.
Summer Creek enters at 6-4, but that record doesn’t fully reflect the Bulldogs’ potential. They closed the regular season with a 23-17 victory over Atascocita and lost to North Shore by just one point in October. Those performances suggest Summer Creek can compete with the region’s strongest teams.
Bridgeland is another team capable of making a deep run. The Bears finished 9-1 following a 55-0 victory over Richmond Foster. Their postseason begins against Austin Vandegrift, with a potential third-round matchup against North Shore.
My projected regional semifinals feature North Shore defeating Bridgeland and Katy defeating Summer Creek. That would set up a regional championship between North Shore and Katy, two of the state’s top championship contenders.
I’m picking North Shore to defeat Katy and advance to the state semifinals.
Region IV: Steele Ahead of Lake Travis and Johnson
The Cibolo Steele Knights completed an undefeated 7-0 district schedule and closed the regular season with a 42-14 victory over Schertz Clemens. Steele opens against San Antonio Reagan, but a potential second-round matchup against Lake Travis could provide an early test.
Lake Travis finished the regular season with a 58-0 shutout of Round Rock Westwood. The Cavaliers produced 277 passing yards and 243 rushing yards in that victory, demonstrating a balanced offensive attack. They open the postseason against Buda Johnson.
San Antonio Johnson is another serious regional contender. The Jaguars enter at 9-0 after defeating Madison 64-21 and completing their third consecutive undefeated district season. Johnson opens against East Central, with Austin Bowie or Round Rock awaiting the winner.
My projected regional championship features Steele against San Antonio Johnson. While both teams have the ability to reach the state semifinals, I’m picking Steele to emerge from Region IV.
My Final Four and State Champion Predictions
My predicted Final Four features the Allen Eagles, Waxahachie Indians, North Shore Mustangs and Cibolo Steele Knights.
In the state semifinals, I’m picking Allen over Waxahachie and North Shore over Steele. That would set up a state championship matchup between Allen and North Shore, my top two teams entering the postseason.
I believe North Shore presents Allen’s toughest potential challenge, but I give the Eagles the advantage in the championship game. Allen has been my top team throughout the season, and I’m sticking with the Eagles to finish undefeated.
My prediction for the 2026 UIL 6A Division I state champion: Allen Eagles.
