GAMES
RANKINGS
Langham Creek's Ezekiel Ayangbile (Miami commit)
BUILT DIFFERENT — LITERALLY: Surrounded by greatness, Langham Creek's Ayangbile is forging his own path
His mother, Ciera Ayangbile, was a standout thrower for Virginia Tech's track and field program. His father, Duane Brown, was a first-round NFL Draft pick out of Virginia Tech who went on to play 16 seasons in the league, earning five Pro Bowl selections while becoming one of the most respected offensive linemen of his generation.
So, when Ayangbile walks into a room, it's hard not to notice.
At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, the Langham Creek senior looks every bit the part of a future Power Four defensive lineman. But what stands out even more than his size is his maturity. Having grown up around professional athletes, he carries himself with the same confidence, humility and professionalism that have been modeled for him his entire life.
"I have had an amazing circle around me my entire life," Ayangbile said. "From my grandparents, to my mom, to my dad... they've always preached to be a great person first.
"Being around the game with my dad, I've had people like DeAndre Hopkins, J.J. Watt and Russell Wilson speaking life into me at a very young age. Not just my family. Not a lot of kids have that type of circle that always has their back."
That foundation has shaped far more than his football career.
Originally, Ayangbile's future appeared to be on the offensive line, where he began his high school career at tackle. But Langham Creek's coaching staff saw something different. They envisioned him wreaking havoc on defense.
The move changed everything. As he settled into his new role, Ayangbile immersed himself in studying the game's elite pass rushers.
"I started watching players like Myles Garrett and Kayvon Thibodeaux and their technique," he said. "I just worked on my own moves to get my bag up."
Dana Strange (VYPE)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2026 VYPE HOUSTON FOOTBALL MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE
...
The results have been impossible to ignore.
With a relentless motor, long arms and explosive first step, Ayangbile has developed into one of the premier defensive line prospects in Texas, attracting national attention before committing to the University of Miami. The Hurricanes' resurgence under head coach Mario Cristobal made the decision an easy one.
"It's getting ready to be like the glory days of the '90s and early 2000s," he laughed. "Miami ain't playing games no more."
For Ayangbile, the attraction went beyond the uniforms and tradition.
"What drew me was their development," he said. "They are producing NFL first-rounders at my position, and that's what I want. They know what they're doing."
While football has opened countless doors, it doesn't define who he is.
Away from the field, Ayangbile enjoys expressing himself creatively through writing and music, passions that allow him to slow down and reflect away from the demands of football.
"I'm really into writing," he said. "If I can write what I want, I can put something on paper. I also am getting into music in a big way."
Ask him what legacy he hopes to leave behind, and the answer has nothing to do with tackles, sacks or recruiting rankings.
"What really means the most to me is that people see my character," he said. "I want to impact people on and off the field and be known as a great teammate and friend."
With NFL bloodlines, elite talent and a future in one of college football's premier programs, the spotlight will continue to follow Ezekiel Ayangbile.
But if you ask him, the greatest measure of success won't be found in accolades. It will be found in the impact he leaves on the people around him.
...
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2026 VYPE HOUSTON FOOTBALL MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE
The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Cy-Fair Bobcats football team.
VYPE Houston 2026 Football Preview | District 16-6A: High-Powered Offenses, Elite Defenses Collide
Cypress Falls Eagles
Cypress Lakes Spartans
Langham Creek Lobos
Cypress Woods Wildcats
Cypress Creek Cougars
Jersey Village Falcons
Cypress Ridge Rams
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
...
VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jhadyn Nelson, Langham Creek
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Sean Riegler, Cy-Fair
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kaden McCarty, Cypress Falls
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Chase Mayes, Cypress Lakes
ON THE CUSP: Cypress Creek Cougars
...
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2026 VYPE HOUSTON FOOTBALL MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Cypress Falls Eagles
Matt Powell (VYPE)
...
The Cy-Fair Bobcats have undergone a complete offensive transformation under head coach Jeff Miller. Gone are the days of simply grinding out wins on the ground. These are the "Bomb Away" Bobcats, and with veteran quarterback Sean Riegler pulling the trigger, they have become one of the most explosive passing attacks in the Greater Houston area. Riegler flourished in Miller's offense last season, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns while showcasing one of the district's strongest arms. His favorite targets, Henry Brooks and Kevin Ferrywood, form one of Houston's premier receiving tandems after combining for more than 1,800 yards and 16 touchdowns. Up front, Paolo Arellano and Eric Montoya anchor an experienced offensive line, while Noah Williams and rising sophomore Elijah Scott provide balance in the running game. Defensively, the Bobcats return seven starters, giving them the experience needed to complement their explosive offense. Drayton Hawkins and Bra'lon Cage headline the unit, while Brock Ellison and Connor Sitton add toughness and playmaking ability. If the defense continues to develop, Cy-Fair has the firepower to make a deep postseason run.
...
For the past several seasons, Cypress Falls has built its identity around defense, and don't expect that formula to change. Fresh off a Regional Semifinal appearance, head coach Chris Brister once again fields one of the state's most intimidating defenses. Texas A&M commit Kaden McCarty is the centerpiece. The elite edge is one of the premier defenders in Texas and will wreak havoc alongside Division I prospect James Harris. The duo has the athleticism and explosiveness to live in opposing backfields all season. Linebackers Gavin Larks and Austin Chavis clean up everything between the tackles, while Cameron Colvin anchors the secondary. Offensively, the Eagles have enough weapons to complement their defense. Quarterback Christian Ndujiuba has the arm talent to stretch defenses vertically and will distribute the football to playmakers Murry Charles, Andre Lewis, Karzel Davis and Colvin. Running back Deron Simpson returns after rushing for more than 1,100 yards, giving Cy Falls a physical presence in the ground game, while quarterback Bryce Marshall could also see snaps in specialized packages.
...
The Cypress Lakes Spartans made history in 2025 by reaching the playoffs for the first time since the school opened in 2010. Head coach Tyrone Carter has changed the trajectory of the program, but sustaining that success will be the next challenge. Everything begins with one of the state's fastest-rising prospects, Chase Mayes. At 6-foot-5, Mayes is an imposing presence on both the offensive and defensive lines and could become the most heavily recruited football player in school history. He anchors an offensive line protecting quarterback Darius Watson while opening holes for running backs Braylen Dugar and Bryce Arrington. Watson has no shortage of targets, throwing to an athletic receiving corps featuring Davon Griffin, Aquarius Crowder, Josiah Stewart and Eric Liberty. On defense, Mayes slides inside alongside Jeremiah Melendez and Daryll Shelpton, while linebacker Ja'Merce Johnson sets the tone. Griffin and Cameron Dumes headline an athletic secondary capable of creating turnovers.
...
Few coaches have been more synonymous with explosive offense than Langham Creek's Todd Thompson, but this year's Lobos may be defined by defense. Miami commit Ezekiel Ayangbile is one of the premier defensive linemen in Texas. His combination of size, athleticism, relentless effort and football IQ makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Beside him is Texas Tech commit Jhadyn Nelson, giving Langham Creek arguably the district's most dominant defensive front seven. With those two lurking up front, defensive back Jarvious Owens has the freedom to make plays all over the secondary. That defensive strength allows the offense to play complementary football. Quarterback Jace Williams directs the attack, handing the ball to Jordan King and Isaack Lewis while looking downfield for Camarre Palmer, Ethan Robinson and Mason Dowty.
...
Cypress Woods hopes Year Two under head coach Jeremy Hickman brings significant improvement after a difficult 2025 campaign. The Wildcats are expected to utilize both Max Terral and Axel Adams at quarterback, while running back Cory McKenzie returns after rushing for more than 500 yards last season. Receiver Niko Tremusini headlines the passing game, while William McLemore and Shawn Doyon lead the offensive line. Defensively, Kaden Midkiff anchors the front, linebackers Aiden Haby and Brady Sheppard control the middle, and a veteran secondary featuring Zach Nicholas, Kevin Cooper, Nataniel Barnes, Ryan McKnight and Xzaviah Ammanoo gives Cypress Woods experience on the back end.
...
The formula at Cypress Creek is simple—score points. Head coach Deveon McKinney believes an explosive offense can carry the Cougars back into playoff contention. Quarterback Kyle Moss, who threw for more than 1,200 yards last season, appears poised for a breakout year with talented receivers Tre'Mayne Cartwright, Tyson Brooks and Taven Oluwa at his disposal. Running back Jaidan Perez provides balance, while veteran lineman Bradyn Bloom anchors the offensive front. The defense will need to take a step forward behind linebacker Parker Osborne, defensive lineman Dyllon Harris and playmaker Jayden Peacock if the Cougars hope to compete for one of the district's playoff spots.
...
Both Jersey Village and Cypress Ridge enter the season looking to crash the postseason conversation. At Jersey Village, head coach Levelle Norris returns quarterback Rodney Robinson, who will operate behind an offensive line led by Calvin Thigpen. Defensively, Houston commit Cael Thigpen headlines the defensive line alongside Leo Barbour, while linebacker Micah Nelson and defensive back Jeremiah Reyes round out an experienced unit. Over at Cypress Ridge, head coach Andrew Shanle will lean heavily on running back Grant Gordon as the Rams look to become one of the district's surprise teams.
...