Texas high school football is basically a religion, and if you’ve spent any time in Richmond, you know the Fort Bend Travis High School football program is a central pillar of that faith. There’s something special about those Friday nights at Mercer Stadium. The humidity, the smell of concession stand popcorn, and that specific roar of the Tiger faithful—it’s a vibe you just don't get anywhere else.
Honestly, the 2025 season was a rollercoaster. People were talking. Critics were skeptical. But the Tigers finished out with an 8-3 record, proving once again that they aren't just a "flash in the pan" kind of team. They play in District 20-6A, which is essentially a meat grinder. You’ve got powerhouses like Ridge Point and Hightower constantly breathing down your neck. One bad week and you're out of the playoff conversation entirely.
The Reality of Fort Bend Travis High School Football Right Now
What most people get wrong about Travis is thinking they rely on one or two star athletes. That’s not it. It’s a system. Under Head Coach Trey Sissom—who, by the way, has been the steady hand on the rudder for years—the program has built a culture of "next man up."
Take the 2025 run as an example.
The Tigers started strong, but they hit a massive wall against Ridge Point, losing 49-9. A loss like that can break a locker room. It can make a team quit. Instead, they went on a tear. They absolutely dismantled Fort Bend Dulles 55-0 and handled Clements with a 57-20 victory to close out the regular season.
They eventually fell to a very talented Pearland squad in the playoffs (27-59), but the grit they showed to even get there was impressive. You've got players like Carmelo Ratliff and Avery Haywood who really stepped up when the lights were brightest. It wasn't always pretty, but it was effective.
💡 You might also like: Cómo entender la tabla de Copa Oro y por qué los puntos no siempre cuentan la historia completa
The Roster Breakdown: Who’s Making Moves?
If you’re looking at the future of Travis High School football, you have to look at the underclassmen who got significant snaps last year. The 2026 class is looking particularly spicy.
- Davis Kinney (Safety): This kid is a ball hawk. He’s already getting looks from major programs and for good reason. He has that "hit stick" mentality but with the discipline to not get burned on double moves.
- Josiah Vilmael (Cornerback): Pairing him with Kinney makes the secondary a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators.
- Malcolm Graham (Linebacker): A hard commit for the 2026 cycle, Graham is the heart of the defense. He reads gaps like he’s got a cheat sheet.
It’s not just about the defense, though. The offense has had to evolve. In the past, Travis was known for airing it out constantly. Recently, they’ve balanced it more. They’re using the ground game to set up those deep shots, which makes them much harder to scout.
The "Battle of the Bell" and the Austin Connection
Quick side note for the casual fans: don't get confused between the Fort Bend Travis Tigers and the Austin Travis Rebels.
The Austin Travis program has its own deep history, including the legendary "Battle of the Bell" rivalry against McCallum. That rivalry is old-school. We're talking about a 50-pound locomotive bell that the winner gets to keep. But while the Austin school is a 4A program, the Fort Bend Travis Tigers are playing in the 6A shark tank.
The stakes in Richmond are just different.
📖 Related: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
Why the Coaching Transition Matters
There’s been a lot of chatter lately about Coach Trey Sissom. Reports surfaced in late 2025 regarding his potential retirement. If that holds true, the Fort Bend Travis High School football program is entering a massive crossroads.
Sissom wasn't just a coach; he was the Campus Athletic Coordinator. He managed the whole machine. When a guy like that leaves, the first question is always: Who stays? Recruits commit to coaches as much as they do to schools. Keeping the 2026 and 2027 classes together will be the first major test for the administration. If they hire from within, maybe they keep the momentum. If they go for a "big name" outside hire, expect a total overhaul of the playbook.
Navigating the District 20-6A Gauntlet
Let's talk about the neighbors. Living in Fort Bend ISD means you're never safe.
- Ridge Point: They are the current kings. Period. To win the district, you have to go through them.
- Hightower: Pure speed. They produce D1 talent like a factory.
- George Ranch: Always physical, always well-coached.
Travis sits right in the mix of these giants. They’ve managed to stay relevant by being more disciplined than their opponents. They don’t beat themselves with stupid penalties (usually). They play a brand of football that is sorta blue-collar despite being in a fast-growing, affluent suburb.
Making Sense of the 2025 Stats
If you're a numbers person, the Tigers' 2025 season tells a story of "feast or famine."
👉 See also: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
They scored over 50 points in four different games. That’s explosive. But in their three losses, the defense gave up an average of 52 points. You can’t win at the 6A level if you’re giving up half a hundred to elite teams.
The gap between "Good Travis" and "Elite Travis" is defensive consistency.
They have the athletes. The weight room program is top-tier. But somewhere between the regular season and the deep playoff rounds, the defensive schemes seemed to get stretched thin. Addressing that secondary-to-linebacker communication is going to be the #1 priority for whoever is holding the whistle next season.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Parents
If you're looking to support or get involved with the program, there are a few things you should be doing right now rather than waiting for August.
- Monitor the Coaching Search: Keep a close eye on the Fort Bend ISD official postings. The new hire will likely host a "meet the coach" night in the spring. Go to it.
- Check the Offseason Schedule: Spring ball is where the starting jobs are won and lost. The Tigers usually hold their Spring Game in May. It’s the best way to see the new QB battle unfold.
- Get the Gear Early: The booster club usually does their biggest merch drops in July. If you want the "Tiger Football" hoodies before they sell out, you've gotta move fast.
- Review the 2026 Prospects: If you’re a scout or just a hardcore fan, watch the tape on Josiah Vilmael and Davis Kinney. These guys are the real deal and will be the faces of the program for the next 18 months.
The future of Travis High School football is at a tipping point. With a potential coaching change and a loaded junior class, the next two years will define whether the Tigers remain a playoff staple or if they slide back into the middle of the pack.
But if history has taught us anything about Richmond football, it's that you should never bet against the Tigers when their backs are against the wall.