Texas high school football has a storied history, filled with legendary teams that have left an indelible mark on the sport. From powerhouse programs in the big cities to small-town teams with a fervent fan base, the Lone Star State's high school football landscape is unparalleled. In this comprehensive summary, we'll delve into the all-time rankings of some of the most iconic Texas high school football teams, exploring their successes, key players, and the cultural significance they hold within the state.
Top 20 most dominant Texas high school football programs of last decade, Four state titles and a national championship in 2018 put North Shore at the top of the list.
1. North Shore (Houston) (502)
State championships: 2015 (6A D1), 2018 (6A D1), 2019 (6A D1), 2021 (6A D1)
State runner-up: 2022 (6A D1)
State Top 25: 2015 (7), 2016 (14), 2018 (1), 2019 (1), 2020 (5), 2021 (2), 2022 (2)
Nationally ranked: 2015 (10), 2018 (1), 2019 (4), 2020 (7), 2021 (13), 2022 (9)
2. Allen (466)
State championships: 2013 (5A D1), 2014 (6A D1), 2017 (6A D1)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (1), 2014 (1), 2015 (3), 2016 (3), 2017 (1), 2018 (5), 2019 (18), 2020 (18), 2021 (13), 2022 (23)
Nationally ranked: 2013 (2), 2014 (1), 2015 (12), 2017 (3), 2018 (5)
3. Katy (439)
State championships: 2015 (6A II), 2020 (6A II)
State runner-up: 2013 (5A II), 2014 (6A II)
State Top 25: 2013 (6), 2014 (9), 2015 (1), 2016 (17), 2017 (3), 2018 (7), 2019 (4), 2020 (2), 2021 (9), 2022 (9)
Nationally ranked: 2013 (25), 2014 (25), 2015 (1), 2017 (17), 2019 (15), 2020 (17)
4. Westlake (Austin) (397)
State championships: 2019 (6A II), 2020 (6A 1), 2021 (6A II)
State runner-up: 2015 (6A D1)
State Top 25: 2015 (4), 2016 (11), 2017 (8), 2018 (18), 2019 (5), 2020 (1), 2021 (1), 2022 (5)
Nationally ranked: 2015 (11), 2020 (3), 2021 (2), 2022 (16)
5. Duncanville (368)
State championships: 2022 (6A D1)
State runner-up: 2018 (6A D1), 2019 (6A D1), 2021 (6A II)
State Top 25: 2016 (24), 2018 (2), 2019 (2), 2020 (7), 2021 (3), 2022 (1)
Nationally ranked: 2018 (4), 2019 (6), 2020 (16), 2021 (21), 2022 (7)
6. Aledo (359)
State championships: 2013 (4A II), 2014 (5A D1), 2016 (5A II), 2018 (5A II), 2019 (5A D1), 2020 (5A II), 2022 (5A D1)
State runner-up: 2017 (5A DII)
State Top 25: 2013 (4), 2014 (8), 2016 (6), 2017 (15), 2018 (4), 2019 (18), 2020 (8), 2021 (16), 2022 (6)
Nationally ranked: 2013 (22), 2016 (25)
7. DeSoto (280)
State championships: 2016 (6A II), 2022 (6A II)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (2), 2014 (4), 2016 (2), 2020 (13), 2021 (12), 2022 (3)
Nationally ranked: 2013 (7), 2014 (24), 2016 (2), 2022 (21)
8. Southlake Carroll (Southlake) (276)
State championships: N/A
State runner-up: 2020 (6A II)
State Top 25: 2013 (9), 2014 (3), 2015 (16), 2016 (15), 2017 (22), 2018 (8), 2019 (3), 2020 (6), 2021 (4), 2022 (12)
Nationally ranked: 2019 (20), 2020 (15)
9. Lake Travis (Austin) (273)
State championships: 2016 (6A D1)
State runner-up: 2015 (6A II), 2017 (6A D1)
State Top 25: 2013 (12), 2015 (2), 2016 (1), 2017 (7), 2018 (13), 2019 (13), 2021 (22)
Nationally ranked: 2015 (9), 2016 (7), 2017 (16)
10. Cedar Hill (218)
State championships: 2013 (5A II), 2014 (6A II)
State runner-up: 2020 (6A D1)
State Top 25: 2013 (3), 2014 (2), 2015 (24), 2016 (5), 2018 (22), 2020 (10)
Nationally ranked: 2013 (15), 2014 (9)
11. Carthage (210)
State championships: 2013 (3A D1), 2015 (4A D1), 2017 (4A D1), 2019 (4A D I), 2020 (4A II), 2022 (4A II)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (11), 2015 (25), 2017 (9), 2019 (15), 2020 (4), 2021 (20), 2022 (8)
Nationally ranked: N/A
12. Ryan (Denton) (175)
State championships: 2020 (5A D1)
State runner-up: 2019 (5A II)
State Top 25: 2013 (16), 2015 (12), 2016 (20), 2017 (18), 2018 (10), 2019 (8), 2020 (3), 2021 (19)
Nationally ranked: 2020 (8)
13. Guyer (Denton) (144)
State championships: 2013 (4A D1)
State runner-up: 2019 (6A II), 2021 (6A II)
State Top 25: 2013 (10), 2014 (6), 2019 (7), 2020 (20), 2021 (5), 2022 (4)
Nationally ranked: N/A
14. Highland Park (Dallas) (130)
State championships: 2016 (5A D1), 2017 (5A D1), 2018 (5A D1)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2016 (10), 2017 (5), 2018 (6), 2019 (25), 2020 (14)
Nationally ranked: N/A
15. Longview (108)
State championships: 2018 (6A II)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2013 (22), 2017 (10), 2018 (3), 2019 (19), 2022 (15)
Nationally ranked: 2018 (24)
16. Argyle (101)
State championships: 2013 (3A II), 2020 (4A D1)
State runner-up: 2014 (4A D1), 2015 (4A D1)
State Top 25: 2013 (8), 2020 (9)
Nationally ranked: N/A
17. West Orange-Stark (Orange) (83)
State championships: 2015 (4A II), 2016 (4A II)
State runner-up: 2014 (4A II), 2017 (4A II)
State Top 25: 2015 (21), 2016 (8)
Nationally ranked: N/A
18. Canadian (81)
State championships: 2014 (2A D1), 2015 (2A D1), 2020 (3A II)
State runner-up: 2018 (3A II)
State Top 25: 2015 (17), 2020 (24)
Nationally ranked: N/A
19. Mart (80)
State championships: 2017 (2A D1), 2018 (2A II), 2019 (2A II)
State runner-up: 2020 (2A II), 2022 (2A II)
State Top 25: N/A
Nationally ranked: N/A
20. Cy-Fair (Cypress) (77)
State championships: 2017 (6A II)
State runner-up: N/A
State Top 25: 2017 (2), 2018 (19)
Nationally ranked: 2017 (25)
Texas is a high school football hotbed, producing elite talent moving on the college and professional levels on an annual basis.
We selected 20 of the best players to ever take the field in the Lone Star State, a group that has combined for 16 Super Bowl victories, 122 Pro Bowl selections and three MVP awards.
Eight of the 20 selected are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame while several others are likely to be measured for a gold jacket in the near future.
Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes, Whitehouse - Class of 2014
Drew Brees, Westlake (Austin) - Class of 1997
Running Backs
Earl Campbell, John Tyler (Tyler) - Class of 1974
Adrian Peterson, Palestine - Class of 2004
Wide Receivers
Tim Brown, Wilson (Dallas) - Class of 1984
Mike Evans, Ball (Galveston) - Class of 2011
Tight End
Martellus Bennett, Alief Taylor (Houston) - Class of 2005
Offensive Line
Gene Upshaw, Robstown - Class of 1963
Jason Peters, Queen City - Class of 2000
Jake Matthews, Fort Bend Elkins (Missouri City) - Class of 2010
Defensive Line
Michael Strahan, Westbury (Houston) - Class of 1989
John Randle, Hearne - Class of 1986
Joe Greene, Dunbar (Fort Worth) - Class of 1965
Linebackers
Mike Singletary, Worthing (Houston) - Class of 1977
Von Miller, DeSoto - Class of 2007
Zach Thomas, Pampa - Class of 1992
Defensive Backs
Darrell Green, Jones (Houston) - Class of 1978
Earl Thomas, West Orange-Stark (Orange) - Class of 2007
Jamal Adams, Hebron (Carrollton) - Class of 2014
Michael Griffin, Bowie (Austin) - Class of 2003
One of the perennial powerhouses in Texas high school football is the Odessa Permian Panthers. Immortalized in H.G. Bissinger's book "Friday Night Lights," Permian High School has consistently been a force to be reckoned with. The Panthers' all-time ranking is a testament to their sustained excellence on the field. Coached by legendary figures like Gil Bartosh and John Wilkins, Permian has secured numerous state championships and produced a plethora of NFL talent. Players like Boobie Miles, James Street, and Roy Williams have become synonymous with the program, showcasing the depth of talent that has graced the Permian football fields over the years.
In the heart of Dallas, the Highland Park Scots have etched their own legacy in the annals of Texas high school football. The school has produced an impressive list of NFL alumni, including Matthew Stafford and Bobby Layne. Highland Park's all-time ranking reflects its consistent competitiveness and dedication to excellence. Coached by icons like Randy Allen, the Scots have hoisted multiple state championship trophies, solidifying their status as one of the state's premier programs. The "Friday Night Lights" glow just as brightly in the urban landscape of Dallas as they do in the small towns across Texas.
Heading down to the Gulf Coast, the Katy Tigers have left an indomitable mark on Texas high school football. With an all-time ranking that reflects sustained success, the Tigers have been a force in the state's football scene. Coached by Gary Joseph, Katy has built a reputation for its dominant defense and disciplined play. The program has consistently contended for state championships and has become a breeding ground for college-level talent. The legacy of the Katy Tigers extends beyond the Friday night lights, shaping the narrative of Texas high school football as a whole.
In the East Texas town of Gilmer, the Buckeyes have stamped their authority on the gridiron. Led by coaching stalwart Jeff Traylor, Gilmer High School has consistently found itself in the upper echelons of the state's football rankings. The Buckeyes' all-time success is a testament to the resilience and determination instilled in their players. With a rich tradition dating back decades, Gilmer has produced memorable moments and players who have gone on to make a mark at the collegiate and professional levels. The small-town charm of Gilmer juxtaposed with the grandeur of its football legacy encapsulates the essence of Texas high school football.
No discussion of Texas high school football would be complete without mentioning the Southlake Carroll Dragons. Coached by Todd Dodge and other notable leaders, Carroll has become synonymous with success. The Dragons' all-time ranking reflects their dominance in the larger-than-life world of Texas football. With multiple state championships to their name, the Dragons have produced NFL stars like Chase Daniel and Riley Dodge. Southlake Carroll's commitment to excellence and the unwavering support of its community have propelled it to the forefront of Texas high school football.
In conclusion, the all-time rankings of Texas high school football teams showcase the diversity, passion, and rich history of the sport in the Lone Star State. From the small towns to the bustling cities, each team's journey is woven into the cultural fabric of Texas. The legendary programs mentioned here – Odessa Permian, Highland Park, Katy, Gilmer, and Southlake Carroll – exemplify the enduring spirit of Texas high school football, where Friday nights are not just games but cultural events that unite communities and shape the dreams of young athletes.
