Get ready for an exciting season of high school football in Utah! The Deseret News has released its 2026 preseason coaches rankings, and it's clear that we're in for some intense competition across all classifications. Personally, I find it fascinating how these rankings can give us a glimpse into the minds of the coaches and their expectations for the upcoming season.
One thing that immediately stands out is the consistency of the coaches' predictions. In the past two years, an impressive majority of the preseason No. 1 teams have gone on to win state championships. This year, six out of the seven preseason top-ranked teams are also defending state champs. It's a testament to the coaches' ability to identify and recognize talent, and it sets the bar high for these teams to live up to their rankings.
Let's dive into each classification and explore the key takeaways and my personal insights.
Class 6A
Corner Canyon, the reigning 6A champs, are favored to repeat despite a coaching change. The new head coach, Casey Sutera, has big shoes to fill after Eric Kjar's successful tenure. What makes this particularly fascinating is the challenge of maintaining a winning culture amidst such a transition. Can Sutera continue the legacy? The Chargers' quest for a fourth consecutive state championship will be a thrilling storyline to follow.
Class 5A
Orem, the 5A champions, are expected to dominate once again. With a new head coach, Andy Stokes, at the helm, the Tigers still received an overwhelming majority of first-place votes. The addition of Oklahoma commit Krew Jones from Ridgeline is a significant boost to their already strong foundation. Stokes' experience as a head coach at Dixie and Timpview will be invaluable in navigating the challenging schedule ahead.
Class 4A
Ridgeline, the perfect 14-0 champions of 2025, are primed for another successful run. With a solid mix of returning starters and hungry newcomers, coach Travis Cox is excited about this year's team. The key will be how well the newcomers adapt to their expanded roles. If they can step up, Ridgeline could very well be on their way to a repeat championship.
Class 3A
Morgan has opened the season as the preseason No. 1 for the fifth consecutive year. Despite losing to Manti in the semis last year and a limited number of returning starters, coach Jared Barlow's squad remains highly respected and feared. It will be interesting to see how this team, with a new group of seniors, leaves its mark on the program's legacy.
Class 2A
San Juan, the five-time consecutive 2A champions, are poised for another dominant season. With a combined record of 59-5 over the past five years, they are the clear favorites. However, with a team lacking varsity experience, coach Barkley Christensen emphasizes the hard work put in during the summer. It will be intriguing to see if this group can continue San Juan's impressive winning streak.
Class 1A
Kanab, fresh off its first state championship in 20 years, is looking to defend its title. With a solid group of returning starters, coach JR Quarnberg's team is excited and working hard. The depth they've built could be a significant advantage. However, Beaver, last year's runner-up, will be a tough contender, despite having the fewest returning starters among the top teams.
Class 1A 8-Player
Rich High has dominated 8-player football for the past three seasons, and the expectations are high for them to continue their reign. Coach Tyson Larsen's team has some big shoes to fill but is motivated and eager to compete. If they can stay healthy, Rich could very well extend their winning streak.
As we look forward to the 2026 season, these rankings provide a glimpse into the potential storylines and rivalries that will unfold. From coaching changes to returning champions, it's clear that high school football in Utah is poised for an exciting and competitive year. I, for one, can't wait to see how these teams perform and if they can live up to the expectations set by the coaches. It's going to be a wild ride!
