17. Friendswood Mustangs (5A)
Cory Benavides enters his eighth season (166-47) of leading Friendswood. The Mustangs went 18-9-1 a year ago and reached the Bi-District Round of the playoffs. Benavides has eight starters returning in 2026 including Texas Tech-commit Landon Collins and Baylor-commit Dawson Hinson.
Other key returners include Caiden Wells (Blinn-commit), Landon McGuire (Amarillo College-commit), Jack Herncall (UT Dallas-commit), Patrick Byrd (Bosier Parish-commit) and Roman Hill (Lesley University-commit). Other players to watch include Noah Nelson, Ryan Chism, Landon Finklea, Jaxon Black, Dylan Buck, Caden Bollman, Peyton Resnick and Charlie Moore.
Keys to success for Benavides’ team include having consistent hard work, respecting the game and being mentally tough ball players.