Texas High School Football Showdown to be Played at Cotton Bowl

DeSoto and Duncanville, two powerhouse programs, will face off at the historic venue in 2026.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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One of the biggest high school football matchups in Texas, between DeSoto and Duncanville, will be played at the legendary Cotton Bowl stadium in 2026. The game is expected to be a highly anticipated showdown between two of the state's top teams.

Why it matters

The Cotton Bowl is one of the most historic football venues in Texas, having hosted the Red River Rivalry college game between Texas and Oklahoma for decades. Hosting a major high school matchup at this iconic stadium will bring added excitement and prestige to the game, drawing more attention to the talented players and programs involved.

The details

According to a report in The Dallas Morning News, DeSoto and Duncanville will face off in Week 3 of the 2026 Texas high school football season at the Cotton Bowl. The 92,000-seat stadium already hosts the Southlake Carroll vs. Jenks (OK) game in Week 1, and now will add the DeSoto-Duncanville showdown to its schedule. DeSoto is coming off a 2025 state championship, while Duncanville is expected to be a contender again under longtime head coach Reginald Samples.

  • The DeSoto-Duncanville game will be played in Week 3 of the 2026 Texas high school football season.
  • The Cotton Bowl will host the Southlake Carroll vs. Jenks (OK) game in Week 1 before the DeSoto-Duncanville matchup.

The players

DeSoto High School

A prominent public high school in DeSoto, Texas, known for its strong academic programs, robust athletics, and vibrant extracurricular activities. The school's football team is a frequent state contender.

Duncanville High School

A high school in Duncanville, Texas, with a long history of success in football under longtime head coach Reginald Samples. The Panthers are expected to be a contender again in 2026.

K'Adrian Redmond

A 2027 four-star defensive lineman committed to Texas Tech, who is set to return for DeSoto.

SaRod Baker

DeSoto's 2026 three-star running back, who rushed for 3,081 yards and 41 touchdowns last season.

Trenton Yancey

A 2027 wide receiver expected to be a key player for Duncanville.

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What they’re saying

“Hosting a game of this magnitude at the Cotton Bowl will bring even more excitement and attention to Texas high school football.”

— Reginald Samples, Duncanville Head Coach (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

Ticket sales and promotional plans for the Cotton Bowl matchup between DeSoto and Duncanville are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

The decision to host the DeSoto-Duncanville game at the iconic Cotton Bowl stadium underscores the growing prominence and popularity of Texas high school football. This matchup between two powerhouse programs will draw significant attention and excitement from fans across the state.