Top Five UIL Realignment Losers for 2026-28 Announced

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 3, 2026 8:28 PM ET

UIL realignment for the 2026-28 period has revealed significant challenges for various high school football teams across Texas. This restructuring affects several districts and has resulted in difficult situations for specific programs.

Top Five UIL Realignment Losers for 2026-28

1. Class 6A: Leander ISD Schools

For the first time, the Houston Independent School District is absent from Class 6A. Consequently, schools from Leander ISD, including Austin Vandegrift and Cedar Park, have shifted from Region IV to the Houston-centric Region III. These teams, including Georgetown East View and Hutto, will face long travel distances for bi-district games if they do not secure a top-two seed. A notable early-round playoff rematch may occur between Austin Vandegrift and Sheldon C.E. King.

2. Class 5A: Fort Bend Dulles

Dropping from 6A to 5A Division I after a challenging 0-10 season, Fort Bend Dulles faces an even tougher district landscape. They will contend against strong teams like Richmond Randle, a back-to-back state championship finalist, and Iowa Colony, with only four losses over the past two years. Additionally, Angleton, which was 9-0 before losing their starting quarterback, poses another significant threat.

3. Class 4A: Iowa Park

Iowa Park’s shift from 3A Division I to 4A Division II has placed them in a demanding district that includes Brock, a team that has enjoyed consistent success. With a total of ten wins or more each season since 2013, Brock is a formidable opponent. Furthermore, Graham, with a recent record of 9-4, and Mineral Wells, known for their rich football tradition, add to Iowa Park’s challenges.

4. Class 3A: Hardin

Hardin had an outstanding 12-1 record last season, marking a historic achievement for the program. However, their transition to 3A Division II includes a challenging district with Newton, who boasts a 14-2 record and has not lost a district game since 2011. Woodville, another district rival with a recent state championship appearance, also poses a significant challenge with a promising Division I quarterback in Luke Babin.

5. Class 2A: Axtell

Axtell, previously expected to thrive in Region II of Class 2A Division I, now faces a markedly tougher environment. With the reigning champion Hamilton moving to 3A Division II, Axtell anticipated contention. However, strong contenders such as Mason (10-4), two-time champion Muenster, and 12-2 Cisco have emerged to challenge Axtell’s hopes.

Leander ISD schools face extensive travel in Region III.
Fort Bend Dulles grapples with strong competition after dropping divisions.
Iowa Park enters a tough district with historically successful teams.
Hardin’s brilliant season is challenged by seasoned rivals.
Axtell’s ambitions collide with established teams in an unpredictable region.

As UIL realignment takes effect, these teams must navigate new landscapes filled with formidable opponents. The next few seasons promise to be intense as they adapt to their new challenges.