Steele Knights Ready for Another Championship Push in 2026
- Jaraud Steward
- May 26
- 3 min read
The Steele Knights enter the 2026 Texas high school football season with the same expectations that have defined the program for more than a decade: district dominance, a deep playoff run, and another opportunity to compete among the elite programs in Texas Class 6A football.
Coming off an impressive 11-2 season in 2025, the Knights once again find themselves in the statewide spotlight after winning a district championship and advancing to the third round of the UIL playoffs.
Looking Back at the 2025 Season
Steele finished the 2025 campaign with an 11-2 overall record and a perfect 5-0 district mark. The Knights showcased one of the most explosive offenses in South Texas, averaging more than 43 points per game during the regular season.
Among the season’s biggest wins:
Defeated Judson Rockets 48-14
Beat Canyon Cougars 49-7
Rolled past Laredo LBJ Wolves 69-14 in the playoffs
Defeated Weslaco Panthers 45-14 in area-round action
The Knights’ playoff run ended in a dramatic 29-28 loss to Johnson Jaguars in the regional semifinals, one of the most competitive playoff games in Texas last season.
Key 2025 Team Numbers
Overall record: 11-2
District record: 5-0
Playoff appearance: Regional semifinals
Offensive high game: 69 points vs. Laredo LBJ
Defensive shutout: 49-0 win over East Central
Nine consecutive home victories during the season
Reloading for 2026
Despite graduating several key starters, Steele enters the new season with confidence and depth. Head coach David Saenz continues to maintain one of the strongest football cultures in the San Antonio area.
According to preseason reports, Steele returns five starters on defense and several impact players who saw major varsity minutes last year.
Players to Watch
DJ Green – Quarterback
Junior quarterback DJ Green is expected to take command of the offense after showing flashes of explosiveness in limited action last season. Coaches believe his mobility and arm strength fit perfectly into Steele’s balanced offensive system.
Julian Hugo – Defensive Line
Hugo emerged as one of the team’s defensive anchors last year, recording 83 tackles and 8.5 sacks. His presence in the trenches gives Steele one of the top defensive front leaders in Region IV.
Jonathan Hatton Jr. – Running Back
The Texas A&M commit remains one of the most dangerous running backs in Texas high school football. His combination of speed, vision, and power gives Steele a legitimate game-changing offensive weapon every Friday night.
Offseason Preparation
Preparation for the 2026 season began immediately after last year’s playoff exit. Steele’s offseason program has focused heavily on conditioning, speed development, and rebuilding offensive line chemistry after graduating several veteran linemen.
The Knights participated in offseason 7-on-7 competitions and summer strength programs designed to improve timing in the passing game and defensive communication.
Coaches have emphasized:
Faster defensive pursuit
Improved pass protection
Developing younger depth players
Maintaining Steele’s physical identity at the line of scrimmage
The program’s consistency remains one of its biggest strengths. Steele has reached the playoffs in 19 seasons and continues to rank among Texas’ premier football programs.
Biggest Challenges Ahead
The Knights face another difficult schedule that includes regional heavyweights and intense district rivalry games. Matchups against programs like Judson and Johnson could once again shape the district title race and playoff seeding.
Steele also faces the challenge of replacing experienced leadership from last year’s senior class. However, the program’s tradition of reloading rather than rebuilding has become its trademark.
2026 Season Outlook
Steele enters the season as one of the top contenders in the San Antonio area and a legitimate threat to make another deep postseason run.
The Knights have the ingredients necessary for championship football:
Elite athleticism
Experienced coaching
Strong defensive leadership
Explosive offensive talent
A winning culture built over years of success
If the younger offensive pieces develop quickly and the defense continues its aggressive style of play, Steele could once again find itself among the final teams standing in Texas Class 6A football.
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