Despite being ranked No. 24 in the state in the Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine preseason Class 4A Division II rankings, the Brownwood Lions are tabbed to place third in District 13 for the 2026 season.

The Lions, coming off a 7-5 campaign in their first season under head coach Jeryl Brixey, are picked to place behind preseason No. 3 Waco La Vega (11-3) and No. 10 Robinson (9-3).

The district favorite Pirates feature the league's preseason Defensive MVP in linebacker Craig Davis, while the Rockets' roster includes preseason Offensive MVP quarterback Brice McCurdy.