10 impact players to watch in El Paso Class 4A football in 2026

The first high school football games across El Paso and Texas are nearly here, with games starting Aug. 27-28. The regular season consists of 10 games and to win a state title in each of the six classes in Texas, teams must win an additional six games in the playoffs, El Paso has 31 teams, which pla

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What is the story about?

The first high school football games across El Paso and Texas are nearly here, with games starting Aug. 27-28.

The regular season consists of 10 games and to win a state title in each of the six classes in Texas, teams must win an additional six games in the playoffs,

El Paso has 31 teams, which play a full slate of regular season and 29 of them play in Classes 4A, 5A and 6A.

10 impact players in Class 4A

Offense

Carlos Rojas, QB/DB, Riverside

The UTEP commit is entering his fourth year on the varsity team. The three-sport standout, who is a senior, does it all for the Rangers. He has helped guide the Rangers to three playoff trips.

Last year, he passed for more than 1,200 yards and rushed for nearly 3,000 yards.

Riverside Rangers QB Carlos Rojas III (11) is pressured as he tries to pass the ball against the Austin High Panthers at R.E. McKee Stadium in El Paso, Texas, Friday, October 25, 2024. Both teams were undefeated, 5-0, in District 1-4A, Division 1 prior to their matchup.

Jamari Milton, QB, Andress

The Western New Mexico commit, a senior, helped the Eagles to nine wins in 2025 and a playoff win vs.

Wichita Falls Memorial. Milton threw 21 touchdown passes in 2025.

Andress’ Jamari Milton (5) scores a touchdown during a District 1-5A football game against Chapin at Andress High in El Paso, Texas, on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

Rodrigo Martinez, QB, Ysleta

The senior Martinez helped Ysleta win a district championship in 2025, throwing 33 touchdown passes and rushing for 15 more TD's.

He will be a leader for the Indians, who should be one of the top offensive teams in the city.

Ysleta’s Rodrigo Martinez and Johniy Morales (51) kneel before facing Austin in District 1-4A, Division 1 game at Ysleta in El Paso, Texas, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.

Carmelo Jones, RB, Andress

Jones will help balance the Andress offense. He rushed for 835 yards in 2025.

Andress High School's Carmelo Jones (24) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Jefferson High School on Thursday, Sept.11,2025, at Jefferson High School in El Paso, Texas

Ruben Castro, WR, Mountain View

Castro will be a top target for quarterback Gerry Gandara. Castro caught seven touchdown passes in 2025.

Defense

Alex Cardenas, DE, Irvin

Cardenas will one of the top playmakers up front.

Xavier Ortega, DB, Clint

Ortega may be Clint's best overall player and will give the Lions a leader on both sides of the ball.

The Fabens Wildcats look to qualify for the Class 4A playoffs in 2026.

Julio Martinez, defensive back, Fabens

Martinez might be the team's most explosive player on both sides of the ball. He helped Fabens to five ins in 2025.

Jude Munoz, OL, Bowie

Munoz is a veteran leader on the defensive line for the Bears. He is part of a group that will go a long way in determining how good the Bears defense will be.