The Palmview Lobos are heading into 2026 with five starters returning on both sides of the ball and a clear goal: make the playoffs.

The team is replacing players at key positions, including quarterback. But the returning core gives them a solid foundation heading into a tough eight-team district.

One piece of good news for Palmview is that Edinburg Vela moved up to 6A. Vela was one of the top teams in the district over the past two season. The move out of the district gives Palmview increased chances of securing a spot this fall.

Last year, Palmview finished in a three-way tie for the final playoff spot but missed the postseason on a tiebreaker. That finish is fueling the team heading into the new season.

"It's driving a lot. We really wanna make playoffs now especially because we have a better chance of doing it," senior running back Christian Ramirez said.

"To come up short because of points and because of the playoff system, it hurts and it hurts a lot," Requenez said. "So, these kids understand what it means to make sure we finish games. Because the games that we did lose last year, we were in them. Two of them I think we should've won, but unfortunately we got the short end of the stick and hopefully we'll come back and we'll make the playoffs this year again."

District play begins against PSJA Memorial, followed by Mission in Week 5 and a bye in Week 6.

The schedule then runs through McAllen Rowe in Week 7, McHi in Week 8, Donna North in Week 9 and reigning district champions McAllen Memorial in Week 10. Palmview closes the regular season against Rio Grande City.

The district won't be easy, according to Requenez.

"It's probably one of the toughest in the Valley," Requenez said. "People say that a bunch of teams in our district are rebuilding but what people don't understand is the programs that are in our district, they're well built. All they have to do is reload and it's a pretty tough district."

Senior linebacker Joshua Flores said the team is ready for the challenge.

"We definitely prepare ourselves pretty well. I know this district is gonna be a tough one," Flores said.

The Lobos open with three non-conference games against Port Isabel, Economedes and Alice.