Countdown to No. 1
The Express-News is publishing a daily countdown to its No. 1 preseason team, which will be revealed on Aug. 23. Here’s a look at the No. 3 team in our preseason top 20 countdown, Steele.
2025 recap: Steele went 11-2 and 6-0 in District 29-6A. The Knights went to the regional semifinals and fell 29-28 to Johnson.
Key returnees: QB DJ Green, DB Eli Johnson, RB Marshall Kenner
2026 outlook: The Knights could have one of the deepest teams in the area. Steele returns a pair of Division I recruits at defensive back in Eli Johnson, who is committed to Ohio State, and Jayden Ghee, who committed to San Diego State over the summer. Kenner is expected to take on most of the work at the running back position following the graduation of Jonathan Hatton, who is now with the Oklahoma Sooners. Green is also a valuable asset after throwing for over 2,000 yards last season.
Steele has been one of San Antonio’s most consistent programs. The Knights have qualified for the postseason every year since 2007. Steele is also the most recent 6A team from the San Antonio area to win Region IV as the Knights fell in the state semifinals in 2023.
Steele at Pieper, Sept. 25: This game is expected to determine the District 27-6A championship. Steele looks to win its sixth consecutive district title, while Pieper is looking to continue its upward trajectory after quickly establishing itself as a 5A power. Steele also plays two notable opponents in out-of-district competition in Humble Atascocita and Austin Lake Travis.