Football season is back in Washington, and the team that finished 2025 on top isn't ready to give up its spot.Sumner enters the 2026 season as High School On SI's No. 1 team after capturing its second consecutive Class 4A state championship. The Spartans must replace their starting quarterback, but a talented group of returnees led by wide receiver Braylon Pope, defensive lineman Gray Longoria, offensive lineman Owen Tobin and tight end Ashton Pillard gives the defending champions plenty to build around.The challengers aren't far behind.Puyallup jumps from No. 8 in last season's final rankings to No. 2 after reaching the Class 4A semifinals, while 2025 state runner-up Lake Stevens opens at No. 3. Gonzaga Prep and Graham-Kapowsin round out the top five, with back-to-back Class 3A champion O'Dea checking in at No. 6.Quarterback turnover will be one of the major storylines across the state, with several contenders replacing their starters at the position. That could create opportunities for teams with experienced skill players and veteran defenses to make significant moves as the season unfolds.Here are the High School On SI Washington high school football preseason Top 25 rankings entering the 2026 season:High School On SI1. SumnerFinal 2025 rankings: 1Key returnees: WR Braylon Pope, senior; DL Gray Longoria, senior; OL Owen Tobin, senior; TE Ashton Pillard, senior; The back-to-back Class 4A state champion Spartans graduated their star quarterback but can certainly make up for the loss with plenty of star power on offense and defense.2. Puyallup Final 2025 rankings: 8Key returnees: WR J’isaiah Mitchell, senior; OL Gecova Doyal, senior; DL Kitiona Tupua, sophomore; QB Noah Smith, senior, RB Tytan Phay, sophomore, RB Briytan Bailey, junior; LB Michael Pulalasi, senior The Vikings leaped from No. 8 to No. 2 after reaching the Class 4A semifinals for the first time in more than a decade. They return several key stars, including QB Noah Smith, WR J'isaiah Mitchell and OL Gecova Doyal.3. Lake Stevens Final 2025 rankings: 3Key returnees: QB Blake Moser, senior; WR Seth Price, senior; DL Ty Tautolo, senior; IOL Will Lynch, senior; WR Max Cook, sophomore; RB Jayvian Ferrell-Gilkey, seniorThe Vikings produced one of their best seasons last year. If production stays the same, Lake Stevens could find itself playing for the Class 4A championship once again.4. Gonzaga PrepFinal 2025 rankings: 9Key returnees: K Paul Davidow, seniorThe Bullpups graduated much of their roster, putting the focus on who will replace quarterback Sam Kincaid.5. Graham-KapowsinFinal 2025 rankings: 6Key returnees: QB AJ Tuivaiave, junior; RB, Blake Pearson, senior; DL Julius Hernandez, senior; OL Derick Manibusan, senior; WR Kase Betz, seniorThe Eagles have the potential for another electric season with Tuivaiave and Betz, a Montana State commit.6. O'DeaFinal 2025 rankings: 2Key returnees: RB J'Shaun Wilson, junior; LB J'Andre Castillo, junior; RB Uriah Stringfield, senior; QB Allias Moimoi, sophomore; RB Peyton Egan, senior; LB Owen Brustkern, seniorThe Fighting Irish return plenty of proven talent after winning back-to-back Class 3A state championships.7. Moses LakeFinal 2025 rankings: 15Key returnees: RB Elijah Burns, senior; LB John Rainey, junior; WR Case Anderson, juniorThe Mavericks will have big shoes to fill after graduating QB Brady Jay, who was named the 4A offensive player of the year last season. 8. Mount TahomaFinal 2025 rankings: 4Key returnees: LB Elijah Tinitali, senior; WR Xavier Harris, senior; DL Teaven Jones, senior; OL Chronicles Tauave, seniorThe T-Birds have the pieces on defense, with quarterback emerging as their biggest question entering the season.9. ChiawanaFinal 2025 rankings: 10Key returnees: QB Emmett Osterdock, junior; DB Cooper Cissne, junior; RB Gage Williams, junior The Riverhawks secured their fourth consecutive league title last season and return a veteran group led by Osterdock.10. Glacier PeakFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: TE Zach Albright, seniorThe Grizzlies are one of the biggest newcomers to the preseason Top 25 after reaching the 4A quarterfinals.11. SkylineFinal 2025 rankings: 16Key returnees: QB Mason Mohr, seniorThe Spartans will field a young squad after winning the Crown District title. 12. Sedro-WoolleyFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: T Tycen Bock, senior; WR Nolan Roth, sophomoreThe Cubs are another program to enter the Top 25 after making their first playoff appearance in more than a decade.13. Archbishop MurphyFinal 2025 rankings: 5Key returnees: RB Andrew Lucas, senior; RB Isaiah Smith, senior; RB Cole Sievers, juniorThe Wildcats won the 2A state title for the first time since 2016.14. BellevueFinal 2025 rankings: 17Key returnees: QB Kason Carta, senior; OL Mose Kalio Kalepo, seniorThe Wolverines reached the Class 3A semifinals last season, continuing a five-year stretch that has included three state championships.15. LakesFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: QB Jadis Lefono, sophomore; RB Toetu Moliga, senior; RET Ean Owens, seniorThe Lancers enter the rankings after advancing beyond the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs for the first time since 2015.16. Eastside CatholicFinal 2025 rankings: 18Key returnees: QB Luca Villasenor, senior; WR Simon Nlend, junior; DL Aedyn Havili, junior; OL Nepo Fareti, senior; DL Braden Pili, senior;The Crusaders embark on a new voyage with the return of three-time state championship-winning coach Jeremy Thielbahr.17. Kennedy CatholicFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: DL Jaylinn Haywood, senior; RB Nikko Lecksiwilai, senior; WR Jordan Noel, senior; Kennedy Catholic is one of the teams to watch in 4A.18. RichlandFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: QB Jackson Woodard, senior; OL Fletcher Owens, senior; OL Jevon Golden, seniorThe Bombers enter the rankings for the first time and will continue to be a threat with their quarterback Jackson Woodard, who has thrown for more than 4,000 yards and 57 touchdowns in his career.19. LincolnFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: QB Sione Kaho, senior; DL Anthony Mancao, senior; The Abes are led by Kaho, who was named the 3A offensive player of the year last season.20. KamiakinFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: WR Mason Severson, senior; DB Michael Kori, senior; Korbyn Hopwood, seniorThe Braves will feature a mix of young and veteran talent. Hoping to see more action this season is sophomore quarterback Jagger McEwen.21. BothellFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: WR Carlin Gochnour, seniorThe Cougars will be a young program this year in the Crown District.22. White RiverFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: QB Chaz Strickland, senior; WR Parker Fry, seniorThe Hornets hope to get past the first round with a talented roster led by Strickland. 23. KennewickFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: OL Mayes Mayovsky, senior; TE Luai Mageo, senior; DL Peter Smith, seniorThe Lions should remain in the MCC title hunt but will need newcomers on the defensive line to emerge and returning players such as Mageo to take on larger roles.24. CheneyFinal 2025 rankings: Not rankedKey returnees: QB Connor Collins, senior; OL Karson Palmer, seniorThe Blackhawks finished second in the Greater Spokane District and will be a threat with skill players ready to compete.25. TumwaterFinal 2025 rankings: 7Key returnees: CB Ethan Bello, senior; RB Tyler Briscoe, senior; DB Grady Wall, senior; The Thunderbirds dropped to No. 25 but remain on the radar after finishing as the 2A state runner-up last season.Under ConsiderationAnacortesCamasCurtisEastlakeEnumclawKelsoLiberty (Renton)LyndenRainier BeachRoyalTri-Cities PrepAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow