The 2026 CIF State Championships showcased some of the nation's premier high school talent, but while many of this year's stars will be moving on to the collegiate ranks, a new generation of athletes has already begun positioning itself for a run at glory in 2027.

From explosive sprinters and emerging middle-distance standouts to rising stars in the jumps and throws, California's underclassmen left Buchanan's home track in Clovis with more than just experience, they left proving that they belong among the state's elite.

Dean Headlines Loaded Sprint Class

Few athletes generated more excitement this season than De La Salle sophomore Damari Dean.

Although Dean was unable to start the 100-meter final after qualifying fifth in the preliminary round, his 2026 campaign demonstrated why he will enter next spring among the favorites in multiple events. Dean owns personal bests of 10.34 in the 100 meters and 20.92 in the 200 meters, marks that place him firmly among California's fastest returning athletes.

His versatility may be what makes him most dangerous. Dean also finished as the state runner-up in the long jump and figures to be a legitimate title contender for both events next season. Add in his contribution to De La Salle's sixth-place 4x100-meter relay squad, and Dean's impact stretches across multiple championship events.

Servite's Sprint Factory Returns Major Threats

The sprint landscape will also feature a formidable trio from Servite.

Sophomores Jorden Wells and Jace Wells, along with junior Benjamin Harris, all earned top-five finishes in the 200-meter final in Clovis and return with championship experience already on their resumes. Even more impressive, all three athletes have dipped below 20.80 in the event.

With state medals already secured and another year of development ahead, the Servite trio should be among the leading contenders for podium finishes in both the individual sprint events and relay competition next season.

Beattie Emerging as Quarter-Mile Contender

Edison's Antwone Beattie may no longer qualify as a surprise.

After producing a breakout campaign that culminated in a fourth-place finish in the state final, Beattie enters 2027 as one of California's premier returning 400-meter runners. His personal best of 47.04 places him in rare company among returning athletes and puts him firmly in the conversation as a potential state title challenger.

With several of the state's top senior quarter-milers graduating, Beattie's opportunity to climb the podium becomes even more realistic.

Garza Announces Himself in the 800

One of the most impressive performances among underclassmen came from Branham freshman Alex Garza.

Competing against a field loaded with upperclassmen, Garza was the lone underclassman among the twelve finalists in the 800 meters. He ultimately placed eighth while establishing himself as one of the state's brightest young middle-distance prospects.

Entering next season with a personal best of 1:52.19, Garza will have valuable championship experience and three more years to continue his development. If his freshman season is any indication, his rise may only be beginning.

Montoya Poised for Distance Takeover

Distance fans should keep a close eye on Redondo Union sophomore Mario Montoya.

Consistency was key for Montoya this season. He broke the nine-minute barrier in the 3200 meters five different times, a remarkable accomplishment for an athlete still early in his high school career.

At the CIF State Championships, Montoya ran 8:54.04 despite finishing roughly three seconds slower than the personal best he established earlier in the season at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational. That combination of consistency and proven elite-level performance suggests he could make a potential run at the 2027 title.

Haydock Leads Next Generation of Throwers

The future of California discus throwing appears to be in good hands with Clovis North sophomore Cooper Haydock.

Haydock finished fourth at the state championships and was the highest-placing underclassman in the event. His state meet throw came a bit short of his personal best of 192 feet, 6 inches, illustrating just how much upside remains.

As older competitors graduate out of the field, Haydock enters next season as one of the most accomplished returning throwers in the state and a legitimate contender for the top spot on the podium.

New Era Begins in the Shot Put

Perhaps no event will experience a larger turnover than the shot put.

All twelve finalists from this year's state championship competition are set to graduate, leaving every podium position and finalist berth open entering 2027. The result could be one of the most unpredictable and competitive events in the state next season as a new generation of throwers attempts to establish itself among California's elite.

Perkins Rising in the High Jump

San Jacinto sophomore Alvin Perkins quietly put together one of the strongest underclassman performances in the field events. Perkins cleared a personal-best 6 feet, 7 inches at the state championships while finishing fifth overall. The mark currently ranks among the best in the nation for the Class of 2028 and places him third among returning Californians in his class.