Taylor High School Athletes Sign to Collegiate Programs Following Competitive 2025–2026 Football and Golf Seasons
National Signing Day at James E. Taylor High School arrives following a year that tested depth, discipline and resilience across multiple programs.
From Friday night lights in District 19-6A to UIL golf tournaments this winter, Taylor student-athletes competed in one of Texas’ most competitive 6A landscapes — and several seniors are now officially headed to the collegiate level.
Football: Battling Through District 19-6A
Taylor High School football competed in District 19-6A during the 2025–2026 season. The Mustangs finished 2–8 overall and 2–6 in district play, earning district wins over Morton Ranch and Jordan in closely contested matchups that reflected the week-to-week competitiveness of the district.
Throughout the season, Taylor’s roster featured a mix of senior leadership and developing underclassmen. Close district margins and high-scoring contests highlighted the challenge of competing in a district where playoff positioning often comes down to tiebreakers.
Despite the record, the season produced collegiate opportunities for several seniors who demonstrated consistency both athletically and academically.
Taylor High School Football Signees
- Garrett Barham (Football) — Wagner College
- Xavier Haynes (Football) — Blinn College
- Eric Holzer (Football) — Ottawa University
Each will transition from UIL 6A competition to the collegiate level, representing Taylor High School in programs that span NCAA and junior college football.
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Golf: Advancing Through UIL Competition
Taylor’s golf program also completed its 2025–2026 UIL season with athletes competing in district tournament play earlier this spring. Competing in 6A classification requires navigating multi-round tournament formats where consistency across 18-hole rounds determines advancement.
Senior Oliver Howie, who signed with Collin College, competed throughout the varsity season and earned his collegiate opportunity following steady tournament performances. The golf program continues to emphasize year-round development, with athletes balancing tournament travel, academic expectations and offseason training.
A Milestone Moment for Taylor Families
For families in the Taylor High School attendance zone, National Signing Day reflects more than statistics. It represents years of early morning workouts, tournament rounds, classroom deadlines and district matchups that often come down to a handful of plays or strokes.
“This is what commitment looks like,” Katy ISD Executive Director of Athletics Lance Carter said. “These student-athletes have put in the early mornings, the extra reps and the classroom work. Signing Day is more than a ceremony — it is the reward for years of discipline and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
As Taylor prepares for offseason football conditioning and the next UIL golf cycle, this senior class leaves a foundation of experience for younger Mustangs.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of Taylor High School and Katy ISD athletics.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.