DeSoto Joins Class 5A After Winning Three 6A State Football Titles

DeSoto High School has announced its move to Class 5A for the upcoming athletic seasons, a significant shift after dominating in Class 6A. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) confirmed this biennial realignment, which will span the next two years. This decision comes as a result of DeSoto’s declining enrollment, which now positions it better for competitive balance across all sports.

New Classification Details

DeSoto will compete in Class 5A Division I for football and Class 5A for other sports. The team will join District 8-5A Division I, which includes local rivals like Burleson Centennial, Cedar Hill, and Cleburne. The change means DeSoto must now adjust to a classification in which its enrollment of 1,932 students places it among the smallest schools in 5A.

Why the Change?

• The decision was made collaboratively with input from coaches and administrators.
• DeSoto football coach Claude Mathis emphasized a focus on the best interests of student-athletes.
• DeSoto’s profile in sports is expected to improve as it competes against schools with similar enrollment levels.

Recent Achievements

Despite the transition to 5A, DeSoto has had an impressive record in recent years. The football team claimed the Class 6A Division II state title three times in four years, including a remarkable championship victory in 2025. They concluded that season with a 13-3 record, adding to their accolades.

• Back-to-back state championships were won in 2022 and 2023.
• In the playoffs, DeSoto outscored opponents 351-180, averaging 58.5 points per game.
• Coach Mathis has led the team to a 83-16 record over the past seven seasons.

Future Competitions

As DeSoto transitions to Class 5A, it will face a new set of challenges. Its primary competition is expected to be schools like Comal Smithson Valley, Frisco Lone Star, and Highland Park. Additionally, DeSoto will maintain its rivalry with Duncanville, the current state runner-up in 6A Division I, with scheduled matches already in place.

Enrollment Trends

The school’s enrollment figures have undergone significant changes, dropping from a peak of 3,398 in 2018. DeSoto now faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness while adapting to its smaller size within the UIL framework. The last time DeSoto was in the lower classification was in 1984.

With this realignment, DeSoto aims to leverage its success while fostering growth in all sports. The school’s strategic decision indicates a focus on cultivating a strong athletic program amidst evolving challenges in high school sports.