By now you’ve likely made yourself familiar with which programs are transitioning classifications this upcoming realignment cycle. But which are the programs you should be paying most attention to?
Here is a list of the programs, moving up or down, that we find most interesting:
Cedar Hill
Down from Class 6A to 5A Division I
One of the consistent members of the once-heralded District of Doom, District 11-6A, Cedar Hill drops down to Class 5A and potentially causes a shake-up in the region. The program struggled the last few seasons going 6-5 in 2025 and 3-7 in 2024.
Head coach Nick Ward was placed on leave in November, but has since returned to full-time duties as the program enters a new era in 5A Division I. Cedar Hill is a program whose drop down a class could result in a revitalized competitiveness for the program at the highest level.
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Celina
Up from Class 4A Division I to Class 5A Division II
One of the most storied programs in Texas high school football history moves up to Class 5A a year after winning the 4A Division I state championship. What does Celina’s path look like when it moves to 5A Division II? Whether Celina ends up with schools like Anna, Argyle or Frisco ISD, their northern location makes them a nebulous option that instantly gives any district an instant-contender.
DeSoto
Down from Class 6A to Class 5A Division I
It remains to be seen if DeSoto will officially play in Class 5A this cycle but the program turned in 5A Division I enrollment numbers during snapshot day. During the last realignment cycle in 2024, DeSoto opted back up to play in Class 6A.
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If that happens, there’s no more dominant storyline this realignment cycle than the four-time Class 6A Division II state champions moving down. If they do choose to play in 5A DI, head coach Claude Mathis’ team instantly becomes the dominant force in the classification after winning the 2024 6A Division II state championship by four touchdowns.
Frisco Wakeland
Up from Class 5A Division I to Class 6A
Wakeland will become Frisco ISD’s first-ever Class 6A program. What does that mean? The Frisco programs have traditionally been easily lumped together in one district, but now a Wakeland program that’s produced 28 wins over the last three seasons could wind up in a district with the likes of Allen or Prosper or be sent west with Denton ISD and programs like Guyer.
Lancaster
Down from Class 6A to Class 5A Division I
Similarly to Cedar Hill, Lancaster is a program that’s had ups and downs recently, going 5-7 in 2024 and 3-7 this past season. Former head coach Leon Paul stepped down making way for newly hired Stephen Jackson, from West Mesquite.
A drop down to Class 5A Division I could be a major boost for a program that was coming off three consecutive double-digit win seasons in 2022. Lancaster likely goes from a district with Duncanville, DeSoto and Waxahachie, where it’s fighting alongside Cedar Hill for a final playoff spot, to being able to compete for more favorable post-season fortunes.
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Melissa
Up from Class 5A Division II to 5A Division I
Melissa was one of the best turnarounds this past season, missing the playoffs in 2024 to making the regional finals this past year. But a move up to 5A Division I could, ironically, garner a more favorable draw for the program.
In District 4-5A Division II, Melissa was alongside the likes of Prosper Walnut Grover, Anna and Lovejoy and missed the playoffs with a 6-4 record in 2024. It remains to be seen where Melissa ends up, but it likely won’t be amongst a district that loaded this time around, even if it ends up paired with Frisco ISD.
Mesquite
Down from Class 6A to Class 5A Division I
Could Mesquite be in for a quick renaissance? It was understandably hard for new head coach Rafael Thomas to make a dent in the District of Doom, District 11-6A, this past season.
But Mesquite’s lone win this season came over North Mesquite, a team that went out to make the playoffs in 5A Division I. With the pair likely meeting up as district rivals this go-around, could Mesquite see an improvement to their playoff hopes?
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Prosper Walnut Grove
Up from Class 5A Division I to Class 6A
A team that saw major success this past season was Prosper Walnut Grove (12-1, 8-0) before losing in the regional semifinals. The program moves up to Class 6A along with the flagship Prosper program and Rock Hill forming what could likely be a strong contingent of programs in the north D-FW area that could pair with Allen, Plano and/or the McKinney ISD schools.
Does instant success at the 5A Division I level project success at Texas’ highest classification?
On X: @IshmaelRJohnson
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Find more high school sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
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