It's historic.

The 2026 outdoor track and field season arrives on the heels of back-to-back record-breaking years in 2024 and 2025, seasons that rewrote Texas all-time lists and, in several cases, the national record books.

In 2024, Humble Atascocita and Duncanville boys reset national standards in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays, while Elizabeth Leachman stormed onto national distance lists in record-setting fashion.

In 2025, the momentum continued. Lancaster's girls became the only high school team in history to run under 44 seconds, doing it twice in the 4x100. Atascocita, Shadow Creek, and others dipped into the 1:33 range in the 4x200. Mia Maxwell and Mariah Maxwell posted all-time Texas sprint marks. Elin Latta ran a state-record 4:34 in the 1600m. Taylor Nunez and Bayleigh Minor both racked up the most UIL and TAPPS state championships ever.

On the boys' side? Tate Taylor ran a national record 9.92, Cooper Lutkenhaus dropped a 1:47.04 state meet record before eventually running a 1:42.27 U20 World Record, Adam Carter threw 70 feet in the shot put, three Texans surpassed 200 feet in the discus, Etoro Bassey cleared 7-4.25 in the high jump, and Ja'Shaun Lloyd joined state and national all-time hurdle lists.

Now comes 2026.

And while some stars won't be back, Texas remains overwhelmingly loaded.

The Headliners We Won't See

Before diving into who is competing, it's impossible not to acknowledge the major names absent this spring.

Cooper Lutkenhaus (800m)

The two-time UIL 6A champion turned pro after qualifying for the World Championships. His 1:47.04 state meet record and 1:42.27 U20 world record cemented his legacy. He's now a professional and ineligible for high school competition.

Tate Taylor (100m/200m)

The fastest high school boy in Texas history. His wind-legal 9.92 set a national record. He also ran 20.14 in the 200m (TX No. 2 all-time). Indoors, he broke the national 300m record (32.45). His absence opens the sprint door statewide.

Elizabeth Leachman (Distance)

The former state record holder (4:37) and US No. 2 all-time 3200m runner (9:34) hasn't competed since her sophomore season. With Olympic Trials experience and a 15:25 national record 5K to her name, her likely absence leaves a major void.

The Maxwell Twins

Mia (UIL 6A 100m & TJ champ) and Mariah (UIL 6A 200m champ) will compete outside UIL meets until postseason. Indoors, Mia has run 7.20 twice and triple jumped 44-6. Mariah set a 300m national record (36.24). Their postseason return will be must-watch.

Davian Groce (Frisco Lone Star)

The 2025 UIL 5A 200m champion (20.52) and 10.75 in the 100m is already enrolled at the University of Florida and their football program.

Roy Hughes (Dallas Lincoln)

We will not see Hughes compete for an adverse reason. The 2025 UIL 4A 300H champion (36.85) tragically passed away last August following a football practice. Hughes was widely respected as a leader and competitor. His absence is deeply felt across the Dallas and Texas track and field community, and the preview could not happen without paying respect and mentioning his obvious absence, which seems even bigger now.

Girls Season Preview: Speed, Depth & Record Watch

Even without some superstars, the girls' season may be just as explosive.

Sprint Reload

• McKenzie Roberson (Shadow Creek) - 22.96 (TX No. 4 all-time)

• Zahria Bernard (Red Oak) - 5A 100m champ (11.35 as a freshman)

• Lily Pierrot & Saniya Miller (Lancaster) - Key pieces of record-setting relay squads

• London Graham (San Antonio Brandeis) - 7.38 indoors, breakout candidate

• Evah Elleby, Caitlyn Cavitt, Ahlayna Taylor - Strong 6A returners

  Chayse Madison-Haire (St. Dominic Savio) - The reigning TAPPS 100m and 200m state champion went 7.41 in the 60m this indoor season

400m Could Be Historic

• Brooke Lloyd (Humble Summer Creek) - 52.23 (6A champ)

• Angel Brefo (Midlothian Heritage) - 52.58 (5A champ)

• Ashtyn Lewis (Iowa Colony) - 52.75 (5A runner-up)

Three 52-point returners? Texas may see one of its fastest 400m seasons ever.

Distance Remains Elite

• Addyson Bristow (Canyon) - 2:06.64 / 4:44.43 / 10:14.99; 3-time XC champ

• Elin Latta (South Texas Heat- Christian) - 4:34.87 state record; 9:56 (TX No. 2)

• Macy Wingard (Denton Braswell) - 4:42 / 10:08; 3-time XC champ

Even without Leachman or possibly Caroline Barrow (soccer commitments), Texas distance remains nationally relevant.

Hurdle Depth Is Ridiculous

• Naomi Booker (Tomball) - 13.30 / 41.30 (6A champ)

• Chiora Enyinna-Okeigbo (Sunnyvale) - 13.42 / 41.96

• Kristian Coleman (Duncanville) - 13.42

• Eleanor Kazanjian (Kingsville King) - 13.49

In the 300H, at least eight returners are under 42.8.

• Lailah Hudson (Shadow Creek) - 41.54
• Morgan Olschewsky (Plano) - 41.84
• Janey Baker (China Spring) - 42.31
• Corie Wilmington (Fort Bend Marshall) - 42.61
• Kelcy Horace (Garland Lakeview Centennial) - 42.61
• Carly Land (Panhandle) - 42.78 - 2A state champ
• Payton Conn (Franklin) - 43.52 - 3A state champ
• Gracie Lain (Gordon) - 43.75 2x 1A state champ and record holder

Relay National Record Watch

Lancaster 4x100

They ran 43.84 and 43.91, the only sub-44 performances in history, and return all four legs.

Shadow Creek 4x200

Return three legs from their 1:33.71 state meet record.

National records could fall again.

Proven Long Jump Talent

• Caitlyn Cavitt (Arlington Martin) - 20-4 (6A Champ)
• Cate Bryant (Houston Memorial) - 6A runner-up
• Eguonome Akpobassa (Bridgeland) -  6A third place
• Parker Coes (Katy Morton Ranch) - Move in from Maryland; Ranked US No. 1 indoors 21-0.75

Pole Vault State Champs Return

• Kira Bowman (Royse City) - 13-6 PR, 12-11.75 this indoor season, (6A Champ)
• Tierany Neighbors (Mineola) - 14-0 PR, (3A Champ)
• Carla Angueira-Colombani (Katy Seven Lakes) - 12-8 indoor SB

High Jump Returns Proven, Winning Talent

• Nia Harrison (Greenhill) - 5-9.25 SB TAPPS champion
• Cate Bryant (Houston Memorial) - 5-9.25
• Kchazney Beamon (Mesquite Poteet) - 5-9, (5A Champ)
• Dani Jo Fleitman (Lindsay) - 5-9 (1A Champ)
• Rocsan Hadnot (Jasper) - 5-9 (4A Champ)

Boys Season Preview: The Sprint Era Continues

Even without Taylor and Lutkenhaus, Texas might still produce the country's fastest sprinters.

100m & 200m Reloaded

• Dillon Mitchell (Sheldon King) - 10.17 freshman national record; 6.63 60m (sophomore class record)

• Chinweoke "Sam" Onwuchekwa (Cypress Springs) - 6.60 60m; 10.18 freshman

• Justin Stewart (Fort Worth Arlington Heights) - 10.30 (5A champ)

• Camden Capehart (Winnsboro) - 10.14 (w), Back-to-back 3A champ

  Braylon Davis, Kaleb Samuels, Harlan Beucler, Brandon Gilmore, Jayvion White, Jordan Godfrey, Andrew Wright, Blake Hamilton - All championship contenders in the 200m

Without Taylor, the sprint throne is wide open - but still blistering fast.

400m Might Be The Deepest Event In Texas

• Joshua Shelton (Pearland) - 45.93

• Charvis Tubbs (Humble) - 46.19

  Charles Anderson (Dallas Carter) - 46.44

• Abram Reagan (Austin Lake Travis) - 46.54

• Jordan Riggs (Fort Bend Marshall) - 46.37 indoors (US No. 2)

• Jason Walker (Shadow Creek) - 46.38 indoors (US No. 3)

  Christian Witcher (Conroe Grand Oaks) - 46.58

  Andrew Wright (Lutheran of San Antonio) - 10.46, 20.91, 46.82 - 2025 TAPPS Champ in all three events

  Dionne Simms (Sheldon King) - 46.91

  Brycen Martin (Manvel) - 47.38 indoors (300-meter hurdler)

  Keaton Washington (Waco Midway) - 47.60 indoors (8th 6A state meet)

• Ky-Ri Bonner (El Paso Hanks) - Has already run 46.72 this outdoor season.

Add the potential return of Kendrick Jones Jr. (Lake Belton) to all sprint events. He ran 45.27 last spring before injury, and this event could produce national top-10 marks.

Distance Royalty Returns

• Colby Huntress (Austin Anderson) - 1:51.54, (5A runner-up)

  Ian Hill (Iowa Colony) - 1:52, (3A third place)

  Sean Stanaland (Jayton) - 1:52, (1A state champ)

  Charles Anderson (Dallas Carter) - 1:53 (improved 400m speed - 46.44)

  Caden Leonard (Southlake Carroll) - 4:02 / 8:47; 6A triple crown

• Noah Strohman (Holliday) - 12-time state champ; 4:04 PR

• Ethan Locke (Waco Valor Prep) - 8:55 TAPPS champ

• Ruel Newberry / Griffen Saacke - Sub-9 returners

• Maddox Davis (Katy) - 1:52
• Jayden Washington (Red Oak) - 1:52
• Liam Bengtsson (Northwest Nelson) - 1:52

The 800m, 1600m, and 3200m will again be elite.

Hurdles Are Reload

• Andrew Jones (Klein Collins) - 13.41 / 36.09 (6A champ)

• Stryker Reed (Gordon) (1A) - 14.05/37.92 (1A state meet record)

• Jesse Natale (The Woodlands) - 13.78/36.42 (4th 6A state meet)
• Cadyn Key (Katy) - 13.49 (5th 6A state meet)
• Tyler Key (Richardson Berkner) - 13.50
• Avonte Earl (Houston Worthing) - 13.8
• Jett Jackson (Plano John Paul II) - 14.16/38.17 (TAPPS runner-up in both hurdles)

Relays: Reloaded And Dangerous Again

If the last two seasons proved anything, it's that Texas relays are never one-year wonders.

4x100 & 4x200

• Cypress Springs returns all four runners from its 40.06 UIL 6A title-winning 4x100 squad, led by Chinweoke "Sam" Onwuchekwa.

• Houston Lamar, third last year in 40.30, returns three legs and also brings back three from its 3:08.51 (US No. 6 all-time) 4x400 squad that powered the team to a 6A title.

• Duncanville ran 40.34 for fifth at state and returns all four, and few programs reload like Duncanville.

• Fort Bend Marshall returns three of four from its 1:24 4x200 relay, one of the fastest times in the state last season.

4x400: Quietly Elite Again

• Round Rock Stony Point returns three legs from its state-finalist 4x400.

• Killeen Shoemaker brings back three from its 3:13 4x400 relay and 4x200 relay

• Lamar, as mentioned, returns three from its historic 3:08 squad.

• El Paso Franklin, last year's surprise team contender, also returns major relay pieces after finishing second in the 4x400.

The 4x400 may again be one of the most dramatic events of the postseason.

Field Events: Power, Pop & 17-Foot Poles

Texas field events have quietly become as nationally relevant as the sprints.

Throws: Big Marks Already Flying

• CJ Williams (Frisco Heritage), the defending 5A shot put and discus champion (66-3.25 / 201-4), has already improved to 68-3.25 indoors. He remains one of the nation's premier throwers.

• Jett Harrison (Liberty Hill) has been remarkably consistent indoors with throws of 62-9, 62-8, and 61-8.25.

• Marlon Cook (Cypress Creek), Desman Manuel (Cedar Hill), Justin Bordelon (Liberty Hill), and Derek Thompson (Sharyland Pioneer) all return as major state-level forces.

Texas could easily produce multiple 200-foot discus throws again this spring.

Long Jump: 24 Feet Is The Standard

• Angel Rodriguez (Sharyland Pioneer) jumped 24-9 last year and has already gone 24-0.75 indoors.

• Daevion Lewis (Manor New Tech) hit 24-6.5 last year (4th at 4A state) and has opened with 24-0 indoors.

• Joseph West III (Round Rock Stony Point) has already jumped 24-8 indoors.

• Harrison Lowe (Katy Seven Lakes) improved from 23-5.5 last year to 24-6.25 indoors.

The event could see multiple athletes flirting with 25 feet.

Triple Jump: Near 50 Again

• Cameron Phillips (Humble Summer Creek) returns with a 49-11.25 best.

• Caleb Adom (Euless Trinity), the reigning state champion, also owns a 49-11 mark.

A 50-footer in Texas this spring would surprise no one.

High Jump: 7-Foot Club Growing

• Micah Lockett (Nacogdoches) returns with a 7-2.25 best and has already cleared 7-1 indoors.

• Jalen Lott (Frisco Panther Creek) is another 7-footer and will head to Oregon next year to play football - and jump.

• Ryan Janak (Allen) improved from 6-9 last season to 6-11.75 indoors.

The 7-foot barrier may fall multiple times this spring.

Pole Vault: 17 Feet And Rising

Texas pole vault continues to thrive with returning 17-footers:

• Max Garvin (Joaquin) - 17-8.25 (2A state champ)

• Eric Rose (Leander Glenn) - 17-6, indoors - 17-2.75 Millrose winner

• Ben Haywood (Tomball Memorial) - 17-0 (6A state meet third place)

With that trio leading the way, the event should again be one of the deepest in the state.

The Big Picture

The beauty of the last two seasons is this:

2026 isn't a rebuild.

It's a reload.

Yes, Texas loses a pro 800m phenom, a national-record 100m sprinter, and Texas all-time girls sprinters, possibly the most accomplished distance runner in state history.

But it also returns:

• National-class relay teams

• Sub-10.2 and sub-6.6 sprinters

• Sub-4:05 milers

• 45-second quarter-milers

• 13.3 hurdlers

• 200-foot throwers

• Adds a 21-0 girls' long jumper
• TX No. 1 girls all-time miler
• TX No. 6 all-time girls 800m
• 3 52-second girl quartermilers

If 2024 and 2025 rewrote the record books, 2026 might test how permanent those entries really are.

In Texas, history isn't protected.

It's chased.