The Dynasty Dilemma: Why High School Football Rankings Are More Than Just Numbers
Every year, the Deseret News preseason rankings drop, and every year, the same question lingers: Are these predictions or prophecies? Personally, I think it’s a bit of both. What makes this particularly fascinating is the consistency of these rankings. Last year, five out of seven preseason No. 1 teams went on to win state championships. The year before? Six out of seven. If you take a step back and think about it, that’s not just impressive—it’s almost eerie.
This year, the 2026 preseason rankings are out, and once again, they’re dominated by defending champs. Corner Canyon (6A), Orem (5A), Ridgeline (4A), San Juan (2A), Beaver (1A), and Rich (1A 8-player) all sit atop their respective classifications. The only outlier? Morgan in 3A, a team that hasn’t won a title recently but still commands respect. What this really suggests is that high school football in Utah isn’t just about talent—it’s about culture, consistency, and the ability to sustain success.
The Coaching Carousel: A New Face, Same Expectations
One thing that immediately stands out is the coaching changes at the top. Corner Canyon’s Casey Sutera and Orem’s Andy Stokes are stepping into roles previously held by legendary coaches. From my perspective, this is where the rankings become more than just a list—they’re a vote of confidence. Sutera and Stokes aren’t just inheriting teams; they’re inheriting legacies. What many people don’t realize is that replacing a successful coach isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s about maintaining a mindset. Sutera’s emphasis on process and tradition at Corner Canyon isn’t just coach-speak—it’s a survival strategy in a cutthroat 6A landscape.
The Underdog Angle: Morgan’s Quiet Confidence
Morgan’s position as the preseason No. 1 in 3A is intriguing. They’re not defending champs, and they’ve got a roster full of newcomers. Yet, here they are, atop the rankings. Why? Because in high school football, respect isn’t earned just by winning titles—it’s earned by consistency and culture. Coach Jared Barlow’s program has become a benchmark in 3A, and that’s no small feat. This raises a deeper question: Can a team with minimal returning starters truly live up to such high expectations? Personally, I think it’s less about the players and more about the system. Morgan’s success isn’t accidental—it’s systemic.
The Dynasty Debate: San Juan’s Unstoppable Run
San Juan’s five-straight 2A championships are the stuff of legend. But what’s truly remarkable is how they’ve managed to dominate despite facing upper-classification teams. This isn’t just about talent; it’s about mindset. Coach Barkley Christensen’s comment about his team’s lack of experience but their commitment to hard work is telling. What this really suggests is that dynasties aren’t built on stars alone—they’re built on a culture of relentless effort. If you take a step back and think about it, San Juan’s success is a blueprint for any program looking to sustain dominance.
The Future of 8-Player Football: Rich’s Reign
Rich High’s dominance in 8-player football is undeniable. Three straight titles and another preseason No. 1 ranking? That’s not luck—that’s a dynasty. But what’s most interesting is how they’ve managed to stay on top despite the challenges of a smaller classification. A detail that I find especially interesting is how 8-player football often gets overlooked in the broader conversation about high school sports. Yet, it’s a classification that demands just as much skill, strategy, and grit. Rich’s continued success is a testament to the program’s ability to adapt and thrive in a unique format.
The Bigger Picture: What These Rankings Really Mean
If there’s one thing these rankings highlight, it’s the power of culture and consistency in high school football. Yes, talent matters, but it’s the programs that can sustain success year after year that truly stand out. What many people don’t realize is that these rankings aren’t just about predicting winners—they’re about recognizing the systems and mindsets that breed champions.
As the 2026 season kicks off, I’m less interested in who wins and more fascinated by how these teams maintain their dominance. Will Corner Canyon and Orem’s new coaches keep the legacy alive? Can Morgan prove that culture trumps experience? And will San Juan and Rich continue their unstoppable runs? These aren’t just questions for fans—they’re questions for anyone who cares about the psychology of success.
In my opinion, the real story here isn’t the rankings themselves—it’s what they reveal about the programs behind them. High school football in Utah isn’t just a game; it’s a study in resilience, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. And that, to me, is what makes these rankings more than just numbers—they’re a narrative of ambition and legacy.
