Childhood friends Mims and Smith-Njigba on verge of Texas high school receiving records

Frisco Lone Star's Marvin Mims and Rockwall's Jaxon Smith-Njigba are both close to breaking the state's career receiving yards record.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Marvin Mims of Frisco Lone Star and Jaxon Smith-Njigba of Rockwall, childhood friends and star wide receivers, are both on the verge of breaking the Texas high school record for career receiving yards. The two have been competing against each other since they were young, first as rivals on the basketball court and now as record-chasing receivers on the football field. Despite facing setbacks in their recruiting rankings, the two have used that as motivation to put up historic numbers this season, with Mims breaking the single-season receiving yards record and Smith-Njigba close behind. Their pursuit of the career record will come to a head this weekend as they play in the state semifinals just 30 minutes apart.

Why it matters

Breaking the long-standing career receiving yards record in Texas high school football is an incredible feat, showcasing the talent and dedication of these two players. Their friendly rivalry and parallel paths to the record books have created a unique and compelling storyline that has captivated the state's football community. This race to immortality highlights the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and the drive to be the best in a highly competitive environment.

The details

Marvin Mims of Frisco Lone Star and Jaxon Smith-Njigba of Rockwall have been childhood friends and basketball rivals since they were in fifth grade. Despite their initial dislike for each other on the court, they eventually became AAU teammates and developed a deep competitive spirit. Both players felt slighted this offseason, with Mims dropping in national recruiting rankings and Smith-Njigba only being invited to the prestigious The Opening camp as a last-minute replacement. This has fueled their record-breaking seasons, with Mims breaking the single-season receiving yards mark and both players closing in on the career record held by former Texas receiver Jordan Shipley. Their pursuit of the record will come to a head this weekend as they play in the state semifinals just 30 minutes apart.

  • Mims broke the single-season receiving yards record last week.
  • Mims and Smith-Njigba are both close to breaking the career receiving yards record held by Jordan Shipley for the last 16 years.
  • Mims and Smith-Njigba will play in the state semifinals this Saturday, just 30 minutes apart.

The players

Marvin Mims

A senior wide receiver for Frisco Lone Star High School who is an Oklahoma pledge and was previously a four-star recruit before being downgraded to three stars, which has motivated him to put up historic numbers this season.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A senior wide receiver for Rockwall High School who is an Ohio State pledge and had a standout performance at The Opening camp this offseason, despite only being invited as a last-minute replacement.

Jordan Shipley

A former wide receiver at Burnet High School and the University of Texas who has held the Texas high school career receiving yards record for the last 16 years.

Rodney Webb

The head coach of the Rockwall High School football team and the president of the Texas High School Coaches Association.

Blake Smith

A tight end for Southlake Carroll High School who is a Texas A&M pledge and played AAU basketball with Mims and Smith-Njigba.

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What they’re saying

“It doesn't even seem real, does it? It's too good to be true, this whole story.”

— Rodney Webb, Rockwall High School Head Coach (dallasnews.com)

“To a certain extent I didn't really care about it, because it was a personal shot at me. But at the same time I was focused on this team.”

— Marvin Mims (dallasnews.com)

“It looks like a very individual he-did-it type of award, but it's really not without the help of others.”

— Jaxon Smith-Njigba (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

On Saturday, Mims and Smith-Njigba will both have the chance to break the Texas high school career receiving yards record as they play in the state semifinals just 30 minutes apart.

The takeaway

The race between childhood friends Marvin Mims and Jaxon Smith-Njigba to break the Texas high school career receiving yards record showcases the incredible talent, competitive spirit, and teamwork required to achieve such a historic feat. Their parallel paths and friendly rivalry have captivated the state's football community, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the drive to be the best in a highly competitive environment.