Football is back in Washington, and the first shot across the bow belongs to Sumner.
The Spartans open the 2026 season at No. 1 in High School On SI’s preseason Top 25 after winning their second straight Class 4A state title. Even with their starting quarterback gone, Sumner still has plenty of punch coming back, headlined by wide receiver Braylon Pope, defensive lineman Gray Longoria, offensive lineman Owen Tobin and tight end Ashton Pillard.
Behind them, the rest of the top tier is loaded with familiar names and a few fast risers. Puyallup makes the biggest climb near the top, jumping from No. 8 in the final rankings last season to No. 2 after reaching the Class 4A semifinals.
Lake Stevens sits at No. 3 after finishing as the 2025 state runner-up, while Gonzaga Prep and Graham-Kapowsin complete the top five. O’Dea, fresh off back-to-back Class 3A championships, comes in at No.
One of the biggest themes heading into the season is quarterback turnover. Plenty of programs around the state are trying to replace their starters under center, and that could open the door for teams with seasoned playmakers and established defenses to move up as the year goes on.
Sumner’s title defense starts with a roster that still looks dangerous on both sides of the ball. Along with Pope, Longoria, Tobin and Pillard, the Spartans have enough proven talent to absorb the loss of their star quarterback and stay at the top.
Puyallup’s rise is fueled by a strong core that includes quarterback Noah Smith, receiver J’isaiah Mitchell, offensive lineman Gecova Doyal, defensive lineman Kitiona Tupua, running backs Tytan Phay and Briytan Bailey, and linebacker Michael Pulalasi. The Vikings reached the Class 4A semifinals for the first time in more than a decade, and they return enough to keep pushing.
Lake Stevens also brings back a heavy dose of production. Quarterback Blake Moser, receiver Seth Price, defensive lineman Ty Tautolo, interior lineman Will Lynch, receiver Max Cook and running back Jayvian Ferrell-Gilkey give the Vikings a strong foundation after one of their best seasons in recent memory.
Gonzaga Prep has more questions to answer after graduating much of last year’s roster, especially at quarterback where Sam Kincaid’s replacement becomes the focus. Graham-Kapowsin, meanwhile, has the ingredients for another explosive season with quarterback AJ Tuivaiave, running back Blake Pearson, defensive lineman Julius Hernandez, offensive lineman Derick Manibusan and receiver Kase Betz, a Montana State commit.
O’Dea keeps doing what O’Dea does: winning. The Fighting Irish are coming off back-to-back Class 3A state titles and return a strong group that includes running back J’Shaun Wilson, linebacker J’Andre Castillo, running back Uriah Stringfield, quarterback Allias Moimoi, running back Peyton Egan and linebacker Owen Brustkern.
Elsewhere in the rankings, Bellevue has to replace QB Brady Jay, last season’s 4A offensive player of the year, but still returns key pieces in running back Elijah Burns, linebacker John Rainey and receiver Case Anderson. Sumner’s league and playoff competition also looks fierce, with Eastside Catholic bringing back linebacker Elijah Tinitali, receiver Xavier Harris, defensive lineman Teaven Jones and offensive lineman Chronicles Tauave, while the T-Birds enter with defensive strength and a major quarterback question.
Several programs are making noise as newcomers to the preseason list. The Grizzlies enter after reaching the 4A quarterfinals.
The Spartans are in after winning the Crown District title with a young roster, while the Cubs make the cut after reaching the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade. The Wildcats, fresh off their first 2A state title since 2016, bring back quarterback Kason Carta and offensive lineman Mose Kalio Kalepo.
The Wolverines are back after a 3A semifinal run that extended a five-year stretch featuring three state championships.
The Lancers also arrive in the rankings after moving past the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs for the first time since 2015. They return quarterback Luca Villasenor, receiver Simon Nlend, defensive lineman Aedyn Havili, offensive lineman Nepo Fareti and defensive lineman Braden Pili. The Crusaders begin a new chapter with three-time state championship-winning coach Jeremy Thielbahr back in the fold.
Kennedy Catholic is another team to watch in 4A, led by defensive lineman Jaylinn Haywood, running back Nikko Lecksiwilai and receiver Jordan Noel. The Bombers are in the rankings for the first time and will lean on quarterback Jackson Woodard, who has thrown for more than 4,000 yards and 57 touchdowns in his career, along with offensive linemen Fletcher Owens and Jevon Golden.
The Abes are paced by quarterback Sione Kaho, last season’s 3A offensive player of the year, while the Braves bring a blend of youth and experience with receiver Mason Severson, defensive back Michael Kori and Korbyn Hopwood. The Cougars are young this year in the Crown District, and the Hornets are hoping quarterback Chaz Strickland and receiver Parker Fry can help them get past the first round.
Rounding out the list, the Lions should stay in the MCC title chase but need newcomers on the defensive line to step up, while the Blackhawks return quarterback Connor Collins, offensive lineman Karson Palmer and a competitive skill group after finishing second in the Greater Spokane District. The Thunderbirds close out the top 25 after sliding to No. 25, but they’re still very much on the radar after finishing as last year’s 2A state runner-up.
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