This is part of a continuing summer series previewing the 2026 Arizona high school football season. We have broken down the top 10 teams in 1A and2Aso far.
Who are the top 10 teams in 3A? Here are The Arizona Republic's preseason rankings. Vote in our poll below for the 3A team you think should be preseason No. 1. Print readers can find the poll online at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools.
The Republic's preseason 3A top 10 teams
1. Queen Creek Benjamin Franklin
Coach Danny Norris' team is fired up after losing its only game last year by a field goal to Round Valley in the state final. He returns quarterback Gavin Wyler, who has 57 career touchdown passes and is looking to get the Chargers over the hump and win their first championship after coming close the past two seasons.
2. Eagar
Round Valley
This is a proud bunch that thrives on the underdog role. But they won't be in that role after winning state last year and returning one of the top players in 3A in running back Brody Crick.
3. Queen Creek Crismon
Coach Scott Hare should find greater success in his second season at the helm, after having a full offseason with the players. Watch for the Rattlers to improve on last year's 7-5 record.
4. Chandler Valley Christian
The Trojans will be strong on defense and potent in the run game. Senior Austin Schuder is a dynamic two-way player at quarterback and defensive back. Titus Mueller anchors both lines. And junior running back Dandre Dickerson will be a first-year varsity starter after averaging close to 200 rushing yards a game on JV last season.
5. Thatcher
It's an all-new backfield and three new linemen, but the Eagles are always in the hunt with the next wave of players ready to make an impact. Coach Daniel Jones expects them to mature as the season progresses into a solid playoff team. Top players returning include two-way lineman Vincent Bejarano, tight end/defensive end Teagan Damron and running back/defensive back Josh Jones.
6. Tucson Pusch Ridge
This is a program that won the 3A championship in 2024, so the championship culture is there. After winning 10 games last year, watch for the Lions to challenge for the title, behind running back brothers Dylan and Cameron Shoaff.
7. Mohave Valley River Valley
They went 7-4 last year, losing to Show Low 21-14 in the first round of the playoffs. With running back Aden Montgomery (1,322 yards and 21 touchdowns rushing last season), the Dust Devils are hopeful of a long playoff run. They should know right away how good they are, opening at home against Crismon.
8. Florence
The Gophers went 7-5 and got to the quarterfinals, before losing to Pusch Ridge 51-38 last year. They played better the second half of the season. That should give them momentum heading into the season with the return of quarterback Brody Ramirez.
9. Show Low
The Cougars open at home Aug. 21 against Florence, a team they beat 28-0 last year. This is a strong defensive team that will have to lead the way while a young offense matures. But, in the end, they look like they could get to the quarterfinals again.
10. Gilbert Christian
They lost to Valley Christian twice, including in the state playoffs. They also lost to Crismon and Benjamin Franklin. That tough schedule should help them come playoff time. Running back Camden Gorsline led them in rushing last year and receiver Malachi Ahlman caught seven touchdown passes. There is adequate punch on offense.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote. The Republic ranks top 10 Arizona 3A high school football teams
