West enters the 2026 season with unfinished business after coming within one game of playing for the 5A state championship a year ago. The Panthers earned the No. 1 seed in last season’s playoffs, but saw their title hopes end with a semifinal loss to Orem. Now, with one of the most experienced rosters in 5A, West has been picked to finish first in region 4 and is expected to once again be among the state’s top teams.
Cohesion and experience will be key for the Panthers, with 15 returning starters from last season, including eight on offense and seven on defense. That veteran leadership and experience gives West a strong foundation as it looks to navigate a competitive region schedule and make another deep postseason run.
Head coach Olosaa Solovi has been encouraged by the work his team has put in during the offseason and believes the Panthers are ready for the challenge ahead.
“The team has been working hard, and we’re excited to see how it all comes together this year,” Solovi said. “The region has a lot of new coaches that have brought some good energy. We’re looking forward to the season.”
After having an overall regular season record of 11-2 and a perfect region record, West proved throughout the 2025 campaign that it is one of the more dominating teams in both region 4 and 5A. While falling short of their ultimate goal left the Panthers disappointed, the experience gained by so many of their returning players has created even greater expectations entering this fall.
With eight returning starters on offense, West will rely on continuity and chemistry to build on last season’s success. Defensively, seven returning starters provide stability for a group that played a key role throughout last year’s playoff run.
While preseason expectations don’t guarantee postseason success, many believe West have the pieces in place to make another push for a 5A title. If they can build on last season’s momentum and capitalize on its veteran returning core, it has an opportunity to not only capture the Region 4 title again, but also finish the job that slipped away in last year’s semifinals.
After finishing second in region 4 behind West last season, West Jordan enters the season with high expectations and hopes of making a deeper tournament run than they did a year ago. This year, the Jaguars have been picked to finish 2nd in the region once again.
West Jordan head coach Francisco Llanos is full of excitement for the upcoming season after what he has seen from his team in the offseason.
“Heading into the 2026 season, expectations are high as we look to build on our foundation and make a deep run in the 5A classification,” Llanos said. “Our program identity is firmly rooted in accountability, execution, and a relentless work ethic — fully embracing our core philosophy that ‘The Standard is the Standard.”
Llanos expects the Jaguars to play an exciting brand of football on both sides of the ball.
“Tactically, fans can expect to see a highly explosive, innovative, and fast-paced offensive system designed to stress defenses to their limits, balanced by a disciplined, physical defense built on strict match coverage principles,” Llanos said. “We return an athletic roster that has spent the entire offseason hungry to prove itself.”
With a talented returning group and a clear identity, West Jordan believes it has the pieces to make some serious noise in region 4 this year.
Coming it at No. 3 in the preseason rankings is Granger. Just like West Jordan, Granger was ousted from last year’s playoffs much too early for their liking, and they will hope for a much better outcome this year. With 4 returning offensive starters and 3 returning defensive starters, Granger will rely on a mixture of returning talent as well as fresh newcomers to push the team to the next level.
Granger head coach Alema Te’o knows his team faces certain challenges and has plenty of work to do, but he believes his team has the right mindset to get to where they want to be this season.
“We have some good talent in the program, and we are very young in every position. With new installs on offense and defense, we have not progressed as fast as I had hoped” said Te’o. “Experience will be our best teacher this year. With a 42-man roster, depth can be an issue. But I do expect our athletes to play fast and physical.”
Te’o feels that the region will be wide-open, but West will be the clear favorite to start out the season.
“West is currently the reigning champions. It all flows through SLC. With all the new coaches in the region including myself, it’ll be interesting to see how it shakes out in the end. If we can stay healthy, I expect our players to be in contention down the stretch.”
Projected to finish in the middle of the pack, Hunter enters the 2026 season with hopes that their returning experience will allow them to take a step forward. The Wolverines return much of last year’s roster, giving them valuable continuity as they hope to find themselves towards the top of the region throughout the upcoming season.
Head coach Sione Tongi said one of the biggest challenges the program has faced in recent years has been retaining players, making this year’s returning experience especially significant.
“Hunter has struggled historically to keep players home and from transferring out,” Tongi said. “Besides losing senior starters to graduation, Hunter is returning all of our varsity starters, which will pay huge dividends for us this season.”
The Wolverines return seven starters on offense, where they’ll continue to feature a balanced attack capable of moving the ball through both the running and passing game. That experience should give Hunter plenty of hope for the upcoming year as well consistency.
Defensively, Hunter brings back five starters from last year’s squad. While replacing key seniors will be a challenge, the returning core provides a solid foundation for a defense looking to improve against a competitive Region 4 schedule.
With a veteran group returning and optimism throughout the program, Hunter believes it can exceed preseason expectations.
Cyprus arrives at No. 5 in our preseason rankings. After losing to Olympus in a blowout in the first round of the playoffs last year, the Pirates will have plenty of motivation to improve and move up the region standings from a year ago.
While they will rely on a young roster this season, Cyprus head coach Jake Hardcastle is confident the team’s experience and offseason development will help it compete.
“Cyprus football is looking forward to the 2026 season. We are a young team with lots of energy and ready to make a splash this season,” said Hardcastle. “Even though we are young we are experienced, and leadership has been building this off season. Our players are hungry to prove themselves and are putting in the work.”
Hardcastle knows there won’t be many easy nights in region 4, with his team’s depth and consistency being tested every week.
“Our region is large in numbers and players. Many skilled players are in region 4 and the 7-game schedule is a grind that all schools have a chance to changed things every week.”
Hoping to approve upon their 2-5 region record from last season is Hillcrest, who is predicted to finish towards the bottom half of region 4 again this year.
Head coach Robert Kaelin believes the Huskies are well positioned to build on last season’s success with an experienced roster returning.
“Hillcrest enters the 2026 season with optimism and momentum coming off our best season this past decade. We return a strong group of experienced players on both sides of the ball and have seen tremendous growth throughout our offseason program,” said Kaelin.
Kaelin also feels the Huskies have taken important steps forward both on and off the field as they prepare for the new season.
“We believe our leadership, team chemistry, and overall competitiveness are improved from a year ago, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead,” added Kaelin. “Our goal is to compete for a playoff spot, continue elevating the standard of Hillcrest football, and establish ourselves as a team no opponent overlooks each week.”
With several programs undergoing major changes, now might be the right time for Hillcrest to take a giant leap forward with the region appearing to be more wide-open this season.
“The region has seen significant change this offseason, including four new head coaches, player movement through transfers, and numerous adjustments to coaching staffs, personnel, and schemes,” said Kaelin. “Those changes create a lot of uncertainty and opportunity, making this one of the more competitive and intriguing regions to watch this season.”
Picked to finish near the bottom of the region again this year, Taylorsville enters the season focused on building a new foundation under first-year leadership and a completely new coaching staff. The Warriors are embracing the challenge of a rebuilding year while looking to develop a young roster throughout the season.
The team saw its playoff run a year ago end in the opening round after being shut out by Granger. This year, the Warriors will hope for increased growth and development as they look to compete in a region that has experienced significant changes as well.
Head coach Jeff Tupea knows there will be plenty of adjustments, both within his own program and throughout the region.
“We are rebuilding this year and have a completely new coaching staff. With a great group of young kids, we’re looking forward to seeing what this season has in store for us. This season has seen a lot of changes as well. There’s new staffs at a lot of the schools as well,” said Tupea.
The Warriors return just one offensive starter and one defensive starter, making player development a key focus entering the fall. Taylorsville will look to create opportunities with an offense designed to maximize its young talent and bring energy to the program.
Coming off a winless Region 4 season a year ago, Kearns is hoping to shock the region this year. With a young roster and a chance for new players to take on larger roles, the Cougars will look to grow throughout the season while laying the groundwork for continued improvement in a competitive region.
With no returning starters, Kearns will provide plenty of opportunity for incoming players to make a case for playing time as the season goes on.
Head coach LeRoy Vea is eager to see how his team responds to the challenge and believes the roster has the potential to surprise.
“We are excited to see our team compete and what they can do this season. With only a handful of seniors, we will be counting on a lot of young players,” said Vea.
With a small senior class and a roster filled with developing talent, Kearns will focus on improving each week and building confidence as the season progresses. The Cougars hope the experience gained can help create a strong foundation for this year and beyond.
Region 4 projections
(Preseason rankings are based on coaches’ votes)
1. West Panthers
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Olosaa Solovi
Entering his eighth season as head coach at West, where he’s posted a 53-26 record over that span, including a 5A semifinal appearance in 2025. He’s a graduate of West High School.
Coach Olosaa Solovi’s general outlook
The team has been working hard and we’re excited to see how it all comes together this year.
Offensive coordinator: Charlie Falatea
2025 offense: 49 ppg (No. 1 in 5A)
- Eight returning starters
- Multiple offenses
Returning offensive starters
- Kamden Lopati, QB, Sr.
- Monson Vaenuku, WR, Jr.
- Mani Tuuao, WR, Jr.
- Jr Dickson, WR/RB, Sr.
- Samiu Taukiuvea, OL, Jr.
- Kirk Vakalahi, OL, Soph.
- Tefa Fanguapo, OL, Jr.
- Fui Pikula, Slot, Jr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Iutana Afele, OL, Jr.
- Illivai Taiese, OL, Sr.
- Titus Lopati, OL, Sr.
- Naeata Hamilton, RB, Soph.
Defensive coordinator: Gary Bowers
2025 defense: 9.54 ppg (No. 1 in 5A)
- Seven returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Takeshi Savery, DL, Jr.
- Dieter Lotulelei, DL, Sr.
- Manu Tuaone, DB, Sr.
- Darius Watson, DB, Sr.
- Justice Reed, DB, Sr.
- Lester Falatea, DB, Jr.
- Tui Lapuaho, DB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Sam Tauvao, DL, Jr.
- Esi Lautaimi, DL, Jr.
- Sione Mila, DL, Soph.
- Illivai Taiese, DL, Sr.
- Kengike Vainuku, DL, Sr.
- Vita Ikakoula, LB, Jr.
- Lehigh Tauteoli, LB, Jr.
2. West Jordan Jaguars
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Francisco Llanos
After spending the last two years as Uintah’s head coach, where his teams went a combined 9-14, he’s taking over as West Jordan’s head coach in 2026. He’s a graduate of Chamberlain High School in Florida and the University of Southern Miss,
Coach Francisco Llanos’s general outlook
Heading into the 2026 season, expectations are high for the West Jordan Jaguars as we look to build on our foundation and make a deep run in the 5A classification. Our program identity is firmly rooted in accountability, execution, and a relentless work ethic — fully embracing our core philosophy that ‘The Standard is the Standard.’
Tactically, fans can expect to see a highly explosive, innovative, and fast-paced offensive system designed to stress defenses to their limits, balanced by a disciplined, physical defense built on strict match coverage principles. We return an athletic roster that has spent the entire offseason hungry to prove itself. Backed by a passionate, unified West Jordan community, this group is completely focused on establishing a new benchmark for Jaguar excellence and playing our best football when the playoffs hit.
2025 offense: 32.36 ppg (No. 5 in 5A)
2025 defense: 23 ppg (No. 11 in 5A)
3. Granger Lancers
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Alema Te’o
After a two-year head coaching hiatus, Alema Te’o is taking over the Granger program for the 2026 season. He has 14 years over prior head coaching experience. He served as Woods Cross’ head coach from 2000 to 2004 and then Alta’s head coach from 2015 to 2023. His career coaching record is 71-84. He’s a graduate of Leone High in American Samoa.
Coach Alema Te’o’s general outlook
We have some good talent in the program and we are very young in every position. With new installs on offense and defense, we have not progressed as fast as I had hope. Experience will be our best teacher this year. With a 42-man roster, depth can be an issue. But I do expect our athletes to play fast and Physical.
Offensive coordinator: TBD
2025 offense: 30.42 ppg (No. 8 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- Triple option
Returning offensive starters
- Moa Havili
- Adam Kofe
- Vili Fifita
- Sione Suliafu
Defensive coordinator: Lisiate Tauteoli
2025 defense: 19.33 ppg (No. 6 in 5A)
- Three returning starters
- Nickel defense
Returning defensive starters
- Moa Havili, DL
- Adam Kofe, DL
- Semisi Kofe, LB
4. Hunter Wolverines
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Sione Tongi
Took over as head coach at his alma mater for the 2025 seasons and led the program to a 5-6 record. Prior to that he served as the school’s defensive coordinator in 2024.
Coach Sione Tongi’s general outlook
Hunter has struggled historically to keep players home and from transferring out, besides losing senior starters to graduation, Hunter is Returning all Varsity starters.
Offensive coordinator: Troy Summers
2025 offense: 15.73 ppg (No. 25 in 5A)
- Seven returning starters
- Balanced offense
Returning offensive starters
- Sione Isi Mounga’afi, QB, Sr.
- Abbas Aweis, WR, Sr.
- Paea Raass, RT, Sr.
- Jayden Siliaga, LG, So.
- Hyrum Osai, C, Jr.
- Andru Gomez, TE/H, Sr.
- Rodney Lotomau, LT, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Sione Gallegos, RB, Jr.
- Sione Tongi Jr, RB, So.
- Nate Tiffany, TE/WR, So.
- Akuila Gallegos, WR, So.
Defensive coordinator: Lisiate Tauteoli
2025 defense: 30.55 ppg (No. 21 in 5A)
- Five returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Paula Maka’Afi, DT, Sr.
- Duwayne Le’I, MLB, Sr.
- Khang Nguyen, DB, Sr.
- Enoch Asiata, OLB, So.
- Andru Gomez, DB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Gefoe Nkoy, DB, Sr.
- Hunter Tupea, DE, Jr.
- Tevita Tongi Jr, MLB, Jr.
- Lemeki Maka’Afi, DT, So.
- Devin Fau, DE, So.
5. Cyprus Pirates
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jake Hardcastle
Entering his third season as head coach at Cyprus, leading the program to a 5-16 record his first two years. He spent the previous two seasons as the head coach at Providence Hall with a 12-11 record. He’s a graduate of Wasatch High and Dixie State.
Coach Jake Hardcastle’s general outlook
Cyprus football is looking forward to the 2026 season. We are a young team with lots of energy and ready to make a splash this season. Even though we are young we are experienced and leadership has been building this off season. Our players are hungry to prove themselves and are putting in the work.
Offensive coordinator: Dallas Garreaud
2025 offense: 17.27 ppg (No. 24 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- Pro Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Gafa Fanene, WR, Sr.
- Rushton Langford, WR, Jr.
- Elijah Ward, OL, Sr.
- Losi Fano, RB, Sr.
- Cody Campbell, TE, Sr.
- Dominic Sierra, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Gunner Fredrickson, WR, Jr.
- Emerson Toilolo, OL, Jr.
- Carrson Gleave, WR, So.
- Sidney Mcelreathe, QB, Jr.
- Aisea Vanisi, OL, Jr.
- Jose Martinez, OL, Jr.
Defensive coordinator: Christopher Rosales
2025 defense: 26.18 ppg (No. 15 in 5A)
- Six returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- Bentley Lowe, LB, Jr.
- Rushton Langford, DB, Jr.
- Derek Maldonaldo, DB, Jr.
- Gafa Fanene, LB, Sr.
- Cyrus Armenta, LB, So.
- Paelata Alusa, LB, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Erick David, DB, Sr.
- Pita Williams, DL, So.
- Brysen Tippie, DB, So.
- Steele Griggs, LB, Sr.
- Jaden Simons, DB, Sr.
- Zander Bennett, LB, Jr.
6. Hillcrest Huskies
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Robert Kaelin
The Skyline High graduate is entering his fourth season as head coach at Hillcrest after tallying a 5-24 record the previous three years. He’s a graduate of the University of Utah.
Coach Robert Kaelin’s general outlook
Hillcrest enters the 2026 season with optimism and momentum coming off our best season this past decade. We return a strong group of experienced players on both sides of the ball and have seen tremendous growth throughout our offseason program. We believe our leadership, team chemistry, and overall competitiveness are improved from a year ago, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead. Our goal is to compete for a playoff spot, continue elevating the standard of Hillcrest football, and establish ourselves as a team no opponent overlooks each week.
Offensive coordinator: Robert Kaelin
2025 offense: 28.2 ppg (No. 10 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- K’Von Houston, QB, Sr.
- Levi Lavaka, WR, Sr.
- Miles Ence, TE, Sr.
- Osyodesan Ramirez Guerrero, OL, Sr.
Key offensive newcomers
- Alani Latu, WR, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Kalin Huntsman
2025 defense: 35.5 ppg (No. 25 in 5A)
- Four returning starters
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Levi Lavaka, DB, Sr.
- Tyler Ashby, DB, Sr.
- Alani Latu, DB, Sr.
- Kobe Batimana, DB, Jr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Taft Ashby, LB, Jr.
7. Taylorsville Warriors
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Jeff Tupea
An assistant coach at Aiea High School in Hawaii the past four seasons, he’s set to take over as head coach at Taylorsville in 2026. He’s a graduate of Radford High School in Hawaii and the University of Utah. He previously was an assistant coach at Hunter from 1997 to 2007.
Coach Jeff Tupea’s general outlook
We are rebuilding this year. New coaching staff. Great group of young kids.
Offensive coordinator: Haini Moimoi/Junior Tagovailoa
2025 offense: 8.82 ppg (No. 29 in 5A)
- One returning starter
- Spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- Hunter Olsen, TE, Sr.
Defensive coordinator: Ron Tupea
2025 defense: 38.27 ppg (No. 26 in 5A)
- One returning starter
- Multiple defenses
Returning defensive starters
- Lotu Faleola, S, Sr.
- Dereon Walton, S, Sr.
Key defensive newcomers
- Hendrix Taumoepeau
8. Kearns Cougars
2026 Schedule
Head coach: Leroy Vea
After 25 years as an assistant coach, including 13 at Olympus from 2012 to 2024, he’s set for his first head-coaching gig fhis season with Kearns, his alma mater. He’s a graduate of Dixie College.
Coach Leroy Vea’s general outlook
Excited to see our team compete and what they can do this season. With only a handful of Seniors we will be counting on a lot of young players.
Offensive coordinator: Brian Jacketta
2025 offense: 9.7 ppg (No. 28 in 5A)
- Zero returning starters
- Power spread offense
Returning offensive starters
- New Coaching Staff
Key offensive newcomers
- Kobe Tauai
- Alexander Vanisi
- Dacarion Campbell
- Mason Rodarte
- Payton Bell
- Osman Muridi
- Noah Calata
- Emmanuel Nguyen
- Angel Nieves
Defensive coordinator: LeRoy Vea
2025 defense: 44.4 ppg (No. 29 in 5A)
- Zero returning starters
- 4-3 defense
Returning defensive starters
- New Coaching Staff
Key defensive newcomers
- Madden Fa’Amausili
- Mudey Muse
- Westen Martinez
- Anthony Shimasaki
- Ariza Fa’Amausili
- Elijah Castillo
- Nathan Gonzalez
- Abdifatah Osman
- Abdullahi Eftin