Texas high school baseball fans wait all year for baseball season to get here. They huddle under blankets and sweatshirts like soccer fans as pre-season tournaments begin, then bask in the early signs of spring during the heart of district play. And then just like that, the regular season is over. Spring sunshine gives way to early summer heat – and rain; lots and lots of rain – as the 2026 UIL State Baseball playoffs get underway this week across the state of Texas.

This year’s field features a majority of returning teams, albeit some of them moving up or down between the cursed divisional divide. But there are some intriguing newcomers as well.