The 2026 California Track and Field season is here, and the state's sprinters are poised to deliver one of the most competitive years in recent memory.
Reigning State Champs & Top Returners
Athletes who are reigning CIF State Champions or have a Top Returning Mark
Jaden Jefferson (De La Salle) // SR: 100m- 10.01, 200m- 20.86
CHAMPION. EXPLOSIVE. TARGET.
The Veteran Memorial Stadium in Fresno, CA, was shaking after Jefferson's remarkable 10.01 in the 100m prelims at the CIF State Championships. The reigning CIF State Champ enters this season with tons of momentum and a target on his hack.
Jasir Fontenot (San Diego HS) // SR: 100m H- 13.21w & 300m H- 37.75
PROVEN. PRODIGY. NATIONAL-CALIBER
A fantastic freshman season, capped by the CIF State 110m hurdle title, puts Fontenot on a trajectory that will always keep him in the conversation.
Jayden Rendon (Carson) // SR: 300m H- 36.50 & 100m H- 13.93
LA'S BEST. DRIVEN. BATTLE-TESTED.
Last season, Rendon peaked at the perfect moment to secure the CIF State 300m hurdles title and heads into 2026 as California's most unpredictable event.
Prince Babalola-Buchango (St. Ignatius College Prep) // SR: 100m- 11.51, 200m- 20.79, 100m H- 13.59w
VERSATILE. DANGEROUS. NEXT-LEVEL
After winning last year's CIF State 200m title and medaling in two other events, Babalola-Buchango won't be flying under the radar this season.
Jaelen Hunter (Servite) // SR: 400m- 46.32
NATION'S BEST. UNFINISHED. CALCULATED.
As the only returner without a CIF State individual title, Hunter has some unfinished business in the 400m. Granted, he's not an ordinary sophomore after winning a national championship at Brooks PR during his freshman year.
Championship Experience
Athletes who gained valuable state final and national-level experience last season
Nicolas Obimgba (Torrance) // SR: 100m- 10.20, 200m- 21.16, 400m- 49.80
2025 BREAKOUT. CLUTCH. UNDERRATED.
Demare Dezeurn (Bishop Alemany) // SR: 100m- 10.32 & 200m- 21.04
CHAMPIONSHIP-TESTED. HUNGRY. SECTION-CHAMPION
Benjamin Harris (Servite) // SR: 100m- 10.31 & 200m- 20.96
DRIVEN. TONE-SETTER. POWERFUL
Noah Smith (Long Beach Poly) // SR: 400m- 46.55 & 200m- 21.45
UNFINISHED. LEGACY. STATE SCORER.
-- Freshman Jace Wells handing off to twin brother, Jorden Wells --
Young Vets
Freshmen who may be entering their super sophomore season
Kwanna Smith (Jesuit) // SR: 400m- 47.30 & 200m- 21.23
WATCHOUT. POISED. SURGING.
Jorden Wells (Servite) // SR: 100m- 10.47
DANGEROUS. HISTORIC. CONTROLLED
Jace Wells (Servite) // SR: 200m- 21.03 & 400m- 48.14
MULTIFACETED. BATTLE-TESTED. RELIABLE.
Baron Giacchetto (Orange Lutheran) // SR: 100m H- 14.36 & 300m H- 41.01
TECHNICAL. SLEEPER. DRIVEN.
-- Cy Lugo winning the 2026 California Winter Championships 150m Final --
All-Around All-Stars
Expect these athletes to continue showing off their amazing talents across multiple events
Quran Clayton (Oak Hills) // SR: 100m- 10.30w, 200m- 21.70, 100m H- 13.89, 300m H- 39.89
TERRIFYING. UNFINISHED. BETTER TODAY.
Cy Lugo (Elk Grove) // SR: 100m- 10.54, 200m- 20.88, 400m- 48.37, 300m H- 38.25
SECTION-CHAMP. STATE-FINALIST. READY.
Brandon Andrade (Etiwanda) // SR: 100m H- 14.12, 300m H- 36.79, 200m- 21.63
LOCKED-IN. SMOOTH. GRIT.
Lucas Schneider (Thousand Oaks) // SR: 300m H- 36.94, 400m- 49.78, 100m H- 15.22
STATE-PODIUM. ASCENDING. COMPETITIVE.
Breakout Candidates
These athletes missed the CIF State Track and Field Championships last year
Ejam Yohannes (Loyola) // SR: 400m- 47.28, 200m- 21.57, 100m- 10.87
HE'S-HERE. TEAM-PLAYER. DEEP-BAG.
Quincy Hearn (Notre Dame- Sherman Oaks) // SR: 100m- 10.64, 200m- 21.40, 400m- 47.70
RENEWED. SLEEPER. CONSISTENT.
Ayden Parker (Dougherty Valley) // SR: 200m- 21.89 & 400m- 48.22
EMERGING. UNFINISHED. THE-BRINK.