For the first time, The Fresno Bee is breaking up its high school football rankings into a five-part reveal to kick off the 2026 season.
The Bee will start with Nos. 21-25 and work toward the top five.
The first batch of games kicks off Aug. 20-21, marking the beginning of another high school football season in the central San Joaquin Valley.
Here are the first five teams in The Fresno Bee’s preseason rankings:
21. Liberty-Bakersfield Patriots
Head coach: Richie Bolin
2025 record: 6-7
Why this ranking? The Patriots took a big hit when RB Dennis Perry transferred to Bakersfield Christian and RB Carter Hanson to Garces. What now? The Patriots may have to rely on the defense, led by 6-foot-5 Pierce Buckey. No matter, Liberty will come prepared and be a tough test.
22. Clovis Cougars
Head coach: Brandon Nagle
2025 record: 8-2
Why this ranking? The Cougars were hit hard with the departure of junior star running back James Curoso, who transferred to Cardinal Newman in Santa Rosa. Despite that, Clovis should be solid on defense with the return of TE/LB Brock Hartmann, WR Sterling Edwards and DL Brixton Bridger. Expected to start for Clovis at QB is Mo Becerra.
23. McLane Highlanders
Head coach: Andrew Pancotti
2025 record: 11-1
Why this ranking: Yes, the Highlanders lost some transfers, but McLane still has the look of a physical team, which will bode well in any situation. Pancotti said McLane is a run-team first with Junior Raygoza carrying the load. He will also play linebacker. Others the coach said will play a prominent role are OL/DL Brody Contreras, WR/DB Montreal Palmer and DL/TE Noah Bridges.
24. Immanuel Eagles
Head coach: Josh Henderson
2025 record: 13-1
Why this ranking: The Eagles last season won the CIF Central Section Division IV championship by defeating Templeton 48-7. Leading the way this season are CB/WR Mason Hernandez and TE/LB Amos Jackson. Seth Thomas is the starting RB, while Sean Arvance and Ben Lahlahi will hold it down on the offensive line. That said, Immanuel graduated 20 players, but excitement is building in Reedley.
25. Templeton Eagles
Head coach: Don Crow
2025 record: 12-1
Why this ranking: The Eagles feat Fresno State commit Colter Tannehill at QB; he’s listed at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds. The Eagles also have WR/S Colby Sims back after he had 1,000 yards receiving in 11 games last season. The defense will be solid, led by all-league first-teamers in OL/DL Jose Diaz, LB Jesse Grinnell and DL Nick Capaci.
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Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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