After an impressive back-to-back state title victory, DeSoto High School has submitted an appeal to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to remain in Class 6A for the upcoming season. The school, known for its dominant football program, aspires to become the 19th school in UIL history to achieve the remarkable feat of winning at least three consecutive state championships.

DeSoto had the option to move down to 5A Division I due to its declining enrollment. However, it has decided to pursue the milestone in Class 6A, where it will continue to face fierce competition from schools such as eight-time state champion Southlake Carroll, three-time state champion Cedar Hill, and the emerging power of Trophy Club Byron Nelson.

This decision has garnered significant attention as it will have a statewide impact on the balance of power in multiple sports. In the realm of football, DeSoto's choice means they will not be competing against 12-time state champion Aledo and six-time state champion Highland Park in 5A Division I. This would potentially make Aledo's path to another state title easier, as they won the 5A Division I state championship in the previous season with an undefeated record and an average margin of victory of 33.9 points.

DeSoto's dominance in 6A Division II this past season showcases their standing as a top-tier program. They finished with a remarkable 15-0 record and recorded resounding playoff wins with impressive margins. Their victory over Southlake Carroll in the state semifinals was their only game during the 2023 season decided by fewer than 14 points.

In the state championship game, DeSoto's remarkable performance culminated in a record-breaking 74-14 victory against Humble Summer Creek. They set new records for the most points scored in a state final in the UIL's top classification and for the largest margin of victory in a state title game.

The decision to appeal to remain in 6A stems from DeSoto Independent School District's recognition of declining enrollment in a post-COVID educational landscape. Factors such as access to homeschooling options and charter schools have impacted enrollment across the state. The district aims to address this issue by emphasizing the wide-ranging and expansive opportunities available within DeSoto ISD, including innovative learning experiences encompassing academics, arts, and athletics via the Triple-A Experience.

DeSoto's enrollment has witnessed a rapid decline, with the current number of students standing at 2,127, which is 148 students below the 6A cutoff line. If the appeal is successful, DeSoto will be one of the smallest 6A schools in Texas, continuing to compete against larger schools such as Duncanville, whose enrollment of 4,710.5 makes it the sixth-largest school in the state.

When the UIL announces the biennial realignment and new districts on Thursday morning, it is highly anticipated that DeSoto will continue to share a district with Duncanville and Cedar Hill, as they have done for the past four years. Duncanville and Cedar Hill have collectively made 11 state championship game appearances, including six in the last six years. Duncanville, in particular, is the reigning back-to-back 6A Division I state champion.

With the return of several top recruits in the Class of 2025, including four-star running back Deondrae "Tiger" Riden Jr., four-star wide receiver Daylon Singleton (committed to SMU), three-star edge rusher Keylan Abrams (committed to Purdue), and three-star offensive lineman Byron Washington, DeSoto is poised to be a frontrunner for a third consecutive state championship in the upcoming season.

As the UIL announces the realignment information, the outcome of DeSoto's appeal will undoubtedly shape the landscape of Texas high school football, determining the path to glory for both current and aspiring champions.