In arguably one of the toughest regions in 5A classification, the defending state champion Orem Tigers are once again the preseason favorites to lead the pack atop Region 7 this year.
Coming off a stellar 12-2 season last year, the Tigers will see some changes within the program this coming year.
After losing a large number of players to graduation, Orem will also have a new head coach at the helm in Andy Stokes.
“Orem returns a strong foundation of talent, including several experienced skill players and a growing group of underclassmen. The schedule is challenging, featuring national powers and top Utah programs, but the combination of championship culture and strong offseason development is promising,” Stokes said.
While replacing the leadership and production from last year’s senior class won’t be easy, the Tigers remain confident in the next wave of talent ready to step into larger roles. Orem has built one of the state’s premier programs by consistently developing depth, and this year’s roster appears capable of continuing that tradition.
The Tigers will be tested early with a demanding non-region schedule that should prepare them for the grind of region 7 play. If the younger players catch on quickly and the experienced returners provide steady leadership, Orem will once again be the one to keep an eye on. Maintaining the championship standard will be the primary focus as the Tigers look to defend both their region title and state championship.
Orem has four returning starters on offense, including Maui Tonata, Taio Fano, Noah Seufale and Beckham Moon. Their experience should provide stability as the Tigers break in several new contributors at key positions.
Key returning players on defense are MJ Bateman, Will Rasmussen and Jag Ioane. That trio will anchor a unit looking to maintain the physical, disciplined style that has become a trademark of Orem football.
Picked to finish right behind the Tigers atop the region is Springville. After losing to Orem in the state championship game by a wide margin last year, the Red Devils will no doubt have revenge on their minds.
“Our region is going to be very tough again. Our region is led by great coaches and there (are) talented rosters throughout the whole region. We will have several key holes to fill off of last year’s runner-up playoff run. The team has been working extremely hard and we are excited about the prospects,” said Springville head coach David Valeti.
Springville prides itself in being able to control the battle for possession as well as its strong and cohesive defense. The Red Devils will once again be relying on that game model to help them make another deep playoff run this year.
With several experienced contributors returning and a culture built around discipline and physical play, Springville expects to remain among the state’s top contenders despite graduating several key seniors. Consistency on both sides of the ball will be critical as the Red Devils hope to finish at the top.
“We will continue to be a time-of-possession and great defense team that will need to be great in all three facets to make another run at a championship,” added Valeti.
Picked to finish third are the Timpview Thunderbirds. Timpview will want to improve from a year ago, when they lost in the second round of the playoffs to the eventual champions.
Timpview will have plenty of continuity and familiar faces throughout the roster, as the team returns eight total starters, with five of those on the offensive side of the ball.
“We have a young team heading into the 2026 season, but there is a lot to be excited about,” said Timpview head coach Travis Uale. “We return several juniors with starting experience who we believe can make a meaningful impact, and we also have a strong senior class that will provide leadership and help shape the identity of this team.”
With plenty of new players coming into the team this season, Uale is excited to see which players are able to step up and take on leadership roles.
“As new leaders step into bigger roles, we are looking forward to watching this group grow, compete and come together. Overall, we have a young, hungry team with a lot of potential and we are excited for the opportunity ahead,” Uale added.
Uale knows that in order for his team to reach its goals this year, it will need to get through some tough competition, facing the likes of Orem and Springville. He is excited to see how his team measures up.
“We know every week will present a challenge, and we are looking forward to competing in a region that will push our team to improve and prepare us for the postseason,” he said.
Projected to be in the middle of pack is Pleasant Grove. After going 4-3 in region play and 4-7 overall, Pleasant Grove looks to take a big step forward with hopes of making some noise in the region this year.
With nine returning starters and plenty of returning experience on the field, the vibes have never been better for Pleasant Grove.
“We are excited about the potential of our team heading into the 2026 season. We have a number of talented multi-sport athletes who bring competitiveness, toughness and a tremendous work ethic to our program,” said Pleasant Grove head coach Jeremy LaPan. “We also return a strong core of experienced players who have logged significant varsity playing time, giving us valuable leadership and continuity. In addition, we’ve added several talented young athletes who are ready to compete and contribute.”
LaPan knows that his team will need to come prepared to play week in and week out if they want to improve from a year ago.
“Our region is one of the most competitive in the state and features some of the top talent in the country with multiple Power 4 offers,” he said. “We’ll face teams with outstanding athletes, experienced coaching staffs and programs that have pumped out talent. There are no easy games on our schedule.”
Maple Mountain comes in at No. 5 in the preseason rankings. The Golden Eagles finished last in the region last year with a disappointing record of 1-9. If they want to get out of the cellar, it’s going to come down to the fundamentals and making sure they are doing the little things right in every phase of the game for all four quarters.
“To take one step closer to our goals, we need to become a much tougher team, both physically and mentally. We have a lot of talent returning, but it will only work if we do the little things. You will see a team that is disciplined and will outwork anyone in the state,” said Maple Mountain head coach Harry Schwenke.
Schwenke said that while the odds may not be in his team’s favor, he really likes the attitude his players have and believes they can hang with the best in the region.
“Orem will be the team to beat for everyone because they have the most talent from all over the state. Springville and Timpview are always tough teams. I know we will be in the mix with everyone because our players believe they belong at the top.”
Predicted to finish towards the bottom of the region at No. 6 is Spanish Fork. There will be a revamped coaching staff tasked with improving a program that finished with an overall record of 4-8 last year.
Spanish Fork returns a majority of its starters from last year, with a total of 15 starters returning from a year ago.
Senior quarterback Nixon Warren will once again be tasked with leading the Spanish Fork offense this season. Warren threw for 1,488 yards and nine touchdowns last year to go along with nine interceptions. He will surely be looking to improve on those numbers as the season progresses.
Even with the low expectations, Spanish Fork head coach Dustin Smith believes there is a lot to be excited about with his team this year.
“There is a lot of excitement and renewed focus for Spanish Fork football and we are ready to build off of the previous successful seasons,” he said. “With the return of many varsity experienced players, strong leadership and many underclassmen stepping up ready to contribute, we are very optimistic even in one of the most competitive regions in 5A.”
Hoping to shock everyone and catch the region by surprise are the Payson Lions. For the Lions, knowing that they are undersized and lacking depth in certain positions, the focus has shifted from what it has been in recent years.
Instead of focusing so much on the results week in and week out, Payson head coach Mike Cole is preaching to his players to trust the process and is looking for progression as they go throughout the season. While immediate success may not be measured solely by wins and losses, the Lions believe steady improvement and player development will position the program for long-term success in one of Utah’s most competitive regions.
“We are looking forward to the 2026 season and have some great young men that are learning how to step into the leadership roles that are so critical to have,” said Cole. “Changing the culture at Payson High is our number one goal and our athletes are meeting that challenge head on. We’re looking forward to the challenges that arise and (are) excited to see if we can step up to the moment.”
Region 7 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. Orem Tigers
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Andy Stokes
With seven years of prior head coaching experience at Dixie (2015-2017) and Timpview (2018-2021), Stokes is taking over as head for Orem in 2026 with a career head coaching record of 60-25. He spent the past three years as offensive coordinator at Crimson Cliffs, helping the team win 4A titles in 2023 and 2024. He’s a graduate of Moapa Valley High School in Nevada and William Penn University in Iowa.
Coach Andy Stokes’s general outlook
The Orem High School Football program is coming off a 12–2 season and a 5A state championship in 2025. The Tigers enter the year graduating a large senior class and transitioning to a new head coach. Orem returns a strong foundation of talent, including several experienced skill players and a growing group of underclassmen. The schedule is challenging, featuring national powers and top Utah programs, but the combination of championship culture and strong offseason development is promising.
Offensive coordinator: Andy Stokes
2025 offense: 38.14 ppg (No. 2 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Maui Tonata
- Taio Fano
- Noah Seufale
- Beckham Moon
Key offensive newcomers
- Po Faumui, WR, Jr.
- Beckham Curtis, RB, Sr.
- Brooks Ross, WR, Sr.
- Moti Lavaki, OL/DL, Sr.
- Makai Gordon, TE, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Josh Arnold
2025 defense: 11.71 ppg (No. 2 in 5A)
- Three returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- MJ Batemen, LB, Sr.
- Will Rasmussen, DB, Sr.
- Jag Ioane, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Krew Jones, DL, Sr.
- Major Stokes, DL, Sr.
- Aoi Faumui, LB, Jr.
- Kasen McLay, DB, Sr.
- Javoni Halalilo, DB, Sr.
2. Springville Red Devils
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Dave Valeti
Valeti is heading into his fifth season as head coach at Springville, where he previously spent seven years as an asisstant. His teams are 35-13 over the past four seasons, including a 5A runner-up finish in 2025. He played football at Snow College and is a graduate of UVU.
Coach Dave Valeti’s general outlook
“Springville will have several key holes to fill off of last year’s runner-up playoff run. The team has been working extremely hard and we are excited about the prospects,” Valeti said. “We will continue to be a time-of-possession and great-defense team that will need to be great in all three facets to make another run at a championship.”
Offensive coordinator: Dave Valeti
2025 offense: 31.07 ppg (No. 7 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- Pro-Style offense
Returning offensive starters
- Beckett Burton, QB, Sr.
- Brigham Durfey, OL, Sr.
- Aiden Sharpe, OL, Sr.
- Siaosi “Leka” Toki, WR, Sr.
- Treyton Harris, RB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Sam Nadauld, WR, Sr.
- Damian Tupou, WR, Jr.
- Cooper Creer, WR, Sr.
- Wesley Yearsley, RB, Sr.
- Dillon Smith, TE, Sr.
- Logan Funes, OL, Sr.
- Semisi Fonohema, OL, So.
- Lincoln Stanton, OL, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Casey Valeti
2025 defense: 14.14 ppg (No. 3 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- H20 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Treyton Harris, LB, Sr.
- Siaosi “Leka” Toki, DB, Sr.
- Damian Tupou, DB, Jr.
- Sam Nadauld, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Wesley Yearsley, LB, Sr.
- Dallas Torres, DB, Jr.
- Aeden Sharp, DL, Sr.
- Spencer Hall, DL, Sr.
- Dillon Smith, DL, Sr.
- Brigham Durfey, DL, Sr.
- Chad Huff, LB, Jr.
- Dre Gonzales, DB, Sr.
- Sawyer Grover, DB, Sr.
3. Timpview Thunderbirds
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Travis Uale
Uale heads into his second season as head coach at Timpview after leading the team to a 6-6 record in 2025. He’s a graduate of Kamehameha High School in Hawaii as well as BYU.
Coach Travis Uale’s general outlook
“We have a young team heading into the 2026 season, but there is a lot to be excited about,” Uale said. “We return several juniors with starting experience who we believe can make a meaningful impact, and we also have a strong senior class that will provide leadership and help shape the identity of this team. As new leaders step into bigger roles, we are looking forward to watching this group grow, compete and come together. Overall, we have a young, hungry team with a lot of potential and we are excited for the opportunity ahead.”
Offensive coordinator: Kaipo Fiatoa
2025 offense: 26.5 ppg (No. 11 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Dennis Tua’one, WR, Jr.
- Taani Tuha, RB, Jr.
- Ian Aloisio, OL, Sr.
- Steel Richards, TE/WR, Sr.
- U’i Unga, OL, Jr.
- Nixon Warner, WR, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Malakai Filimoeatu, OL, Sr.
- Lolua Moungaloa, TE, Sr.
- Malosi Ilaoa, WR/DB, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Nemani Tuisavura
2025 defense: 25.5 ppg (No. 14 in 5A)
- Three returning starters
- 3-4 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Tonga Tauteoli, C, So.
- Ma’Atoe Moe, E, Sr.
- Lincoln Horito, LB, So.
Key defensive newcomers
- Fui Vakapuna, LB, Sr.
- Malosi Ilaoa, DB, So.
4. Pleasant Grove Vikings
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jeremy Lapan
Lapan is heading into his second season as head coach at Pleasant Grove after leading the program to a 4-7 record in 2025. Prior to that, his coaching experience came in college at Utah and Sacramento State. He’s a graduate of Garden Grove High School in California, along with Montana and Utah.
Coach Jeremy Lapan’s general outlook
“We are excited about the potential of our team heading into the 2026 season,” Lapan said. “We have a number of talented multi-sport athletes who bring competitiveness, toughness and a tremendous work ethic to our program. We also return a strong core of experienced players who have logged significant varsity playing time, giving us valuable leadership and continuity. In addition, we’ve added several talented young athletes who are ready to compete and contribute. Our coaching staff’s challenge will be identifying the best roles for each player and putting them in positions to maximize their strengths.”
Offensive coordinator: Jeremy LaPan
2025 offense: 17.36 ppg (No. 23 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- Power Spread Option offense
Returning offensive starters
- Ryder Huntsman, WR, Sr.
- Carter Wilkes, WR, Sr.
- Connor Ybarra, QB, Sr.
- Cohen Vohs, RB, Sr.
- Vake Wolfgramm, RB, Jr.
- Easton Rawlins, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Landan Forstpointner, WR, Jr.
- Corbin Robbins, RB, Jr.
- Ian Wilson, OL, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Steve Brady
2025 defense: 24.73 ppg (No. 12 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- Nickel defense
Returning defensive starters
- Jaxon Mortenson, DT, Sr.
- Ethan Passey, S, Sr.
- Ryder Huntsman, S, Sr.
- Derek Brinton, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Davian Akwenye, CB, Sr.
- Dae Dae Ale, DT, So.
5. Maple Mountain Golden Eagles
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Harry Schwenke
Entering his second season as Maple Mountain head coach after leading the team to a 1-9 record in 2025, Schwenke previously was the head coach at Salem Hills from 2017 to 2019 and racked up a 22-12 record. He attended Paramount High School in California and Grand Canyon High School.
Coach Harry Schwenke’s general outlook
“To take one step closer to our goals of becoming the tough, both physically and mentally. We have a lot of talent returning, but it will only work if we do the little things. You will see a team that is disciplined and will outwork anyone in the state,” Schwenke said.
Offensive coordinator: Easton Smith
2025 offense: 11.7 ppg (No. 27 in 5A)
- Seven returning starters
- Air Raid offense
Returning offensive starters
- Cole Allred, QB, So.
- Frank Schwenke, RB, Sr.
- Nixon Kemper, OL, Jr.
- Brady Sullivan, OL, Sr.
- Daniel Bishop, OL, Sr.
- Kyren Jones, WR, Sr.
- Michael Davis, RB, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Uili Boboy Folaumahina, OL, Jr.
- Crew Kearns, OL, Jr.
- Jason Visentin, OL, Jr.
- Apollo McQuivey, RB, So.
Defensive coordinator: Moana “Mo” Pututau
2025 defense: 31.6 ppg (No. 23 in 5A)
- Eight returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Uhila Wolfgramm, DE, Sr.
- Paul Latu, DL, Jr.
- Daniel Bishop, DT, Sr.
- Jonah Scarbrough, DE, Jr.
- Tei Mauga, LB, Jr.
- Logan Minor, LB, Jr.
- Gavin Mitchell, CB, Sr.
- Kyren Jones, S, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Uhila Wolfgramm, DE, Sr.
- Paul Latu, DL, Jr.
- Daniel Bishop, DT, Sr.
- Jonah Scarbrough, DE, Jr.
- Tei Mauga, LB, Jr.
- Logan Minor, LB, Jr.
- Gavin Mitchell, CB, Sr.
- Kyren Jones, S, Sr.
6. Spanish Fork Dons
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Brock Condie
After spending the past five years as an assistant coach at Spanish Fork, including the linebacker coach a year ago, Brock Condie is taking over as head coach for the 2026 season. He’s a graduate of Hillcrest High School and the University of Utah.
Coach Brock Condie’s general outlook
A lot of excitement and renewed focus for Spanish Fork Football with a new coaching staff ready to build off the previous successful seasons. With the return of many varsity experienced players, strong leadership and many underclassman stepping up are ready to contribute. The outlook for Spanish Fork is very optimistic even in one of the most competitive regions in 5A.
Offensive coordinator: Gage Loftin
2025 offense: 19.58 ppg (No. 18 in 5A)
- Nine returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Nixon Warren, WR/QB, Sr.
- Hawkin Rasmussen, QB, So.
- James Buck, RB, Jr.
- Mason Snow, WR, Sr.
- Kohen Frost, WR, Jr.
- Kyler Olson, C, Jr.
- Ammon Giles, OL, Sr.
- River Andersen, OL, Sr.
- Kingston Johnson, OL, So.
Key offensive newcomers
- Brayden Briggs, WR, Sr.
- Braxton Robertson, WR, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Brock Condie
2025 defense: 31.33 ppg (No. 22 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Kingston Johnson, DE, So.
- Jewkes Critchlow, DL, Sr.
- Carter Coffey, LB, Sr.
- Tayvin Maldonado, OLB, Sr.
- Mason Snow, DB, Sr.
- Caleb Grant, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Ryker Goff, DB, Sr.
- Jeter Gillins, DB, Jr.
- Taima Anderson, DB, Jr.
- Dominic Wilkey, LB, So.
- Owen Irvine, DB, Sr.
- Nu’u Lavea, DE, Jr.
7. Payson Lions
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Mike Cole
After serving as a Payson assistant coach in a variety of capacities since 2010, Cole is taking over as head coach for the 2026 season. He’s a graduate of Payson High.
Coach Mike Cole’s general outlook
“We are looking forward to the 2026 season and have some great young men that are learning how to step into the leadership roles that are so critical to have,” Cole said. “We are going to face some depth and size issues, which is not new for us here at Payson High. As a team, we are transitioning to focusing on the process and not the results. Changing the culture at Payson High is our number one goal and our athletes are meeting that challenge head on. We’re looking forward to the challenges that arise and (are) excited to see if we can step up to the moment.”
Offensive coordinator: Launey Ivers
2025 offense: 21.8 ppg (No. 16 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Valentin Sanchez, WR, Sr.
- Carson Wall, WR, Jr.
- Cade Muir, OL, Sr.
- Nix Kinder, OL, So.
- Cael Cottle, OL, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Justice Taylor, QB, Sr.
- Crusik Deichman, WR, So.
- Tyson Hazlett, WR, Sr.
- Landon Robbins, QB, So.
- Porter Carson, RB, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Jake Corbett
2025 defense: 41.2 ppg (No. 27 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Cade Muir, DE, Sr.
- Tyson Hazlett, S, Sr.
- Adrian Enriquez, LB, Sr.
- Mitchell Jensen, DT, Sr.
- Peter Jordan, DE, Sr.
- Cael Cottle, DE, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Porter Carson, LB, Sr.
- Trevor Robinson, CB, Jr.
- Sylvestre Rodriguez, CB, Sr.