Fremont High School Football: 2026 Season Preview
Firebirds Focused on Growth, Identity, and a Breakthrough Year
Fremont High School enters the 2026 football season with renewed energy, a stronger foundation, and a clear sense of purpose. After a challenging 2025 campaign, the Firebirds are embracing the lessons learned and turning their focus toward growth, consistency, and results.
Year Two Under Head Coach RJ Davis
The 2026 season marks the second year for Head Coach RJ Davis, and with it comes a sense of stability and direction that wasn’t fully in place a year ago.
“Last season didn’t turn out the way we expected,” Davis said. “Year one is always challenging for any coach stepping into a new program, trying to get all the pieces to work cohesively. As we move into year two, we’ve learned a lot from last season and are focused on improving in the areas where we fell short.”
With a full offseason now under his staff, Davis believes the program is beginning to take shape.
“Our student-athletes will now have a full offseason with us to get bigger, stronger, and faster—building the foundation we need to take the next step,” he said. “Year two will be different as we continue to grow and establish a football program that our student body, community, and most importantly, our student-athletes can be proud of.”
Offseason Mindset: Built, Not Given
That message has clearly resonated with Fremont’s players, who have embraced a demanding offseason built around accountability and effort.
Sophomore quarterback/defensive back Kevin Kowal sees the difference already.
“The workouts are tough but it’s helping us become better players for the upcoming season,” Kowal said. “Like our coaches say, winning happens in the offseason… that’s something I say to myself and my teammates to keep pushing. Last season wasn’t what we wanted, but we’re learning from our mistakes and I have high hopes for this upcoming season.”
For junior wide receiver/defensive back Lucus Driscoll, the mindset is simple—and direct.
“G.A.B.O.S. — Game Ain’t Based On Sympathy,” Driscoll said. “That’s something I’ve been telling myself this offseason, and it’s something our team is starting to learn too. We have to go get what we want. This season will be different from what I’m seeing right now.”
That same intensity is showing up across the roster.
“The offseason has tested us, but every challenge has only made us stronger,” said junior linebacker/running back Jack Jen. “The grind is real, and all that hard work has me fired up for how we’re about to show out this season.”
Sophomore defensive back/wide receiver Yandel Arteaga echoed that optimism, pointing to both physical and cultural growth.
“I definitely see our team getting stronger and faster,” Arteaga said. “We’re building a better culture, and my expectation is just for us to be better as a team and continue to work hard.”
A Physical Identity Returns
On the field, Fremont’s identity is clear. The Firebirds leaned heavily on their rushing attack last season, averaging 163 yards per game on the ground. That physical style will continue to be the backbone of the offense.
With a full offseason in the weight room and increased familiarity with the system, Fremont expects to build on that strength and become even more consistent at controlling the line of scrimmage.
Evolving Into a Complete Team
To take the next step, the Firebirds will look to improve in key areas that limited them last season—particularly in the passing game, situational conversions, and ball security.
Despite being competitive in total yards and first downs, Fremont struggled to sustain drives and capitalize on opportunities. That’s where the offseason focus has been sharpest: execution, discipline, and finishing.
Defense Ready to Rise
Defensively, Fremont showed flashes of playmaking ability, particularly in generating pressure. The next step is turning that disruption into consistency—limiting scoring opportunities and getting off the field in key moments.
With increased experience and offseason development, the unit is aiming to become a reliable force.
2026 Tentative Schedule
Fremont will be tested early and often with a balanced schedule that includes both non-league and league matchups (*league games marked with *):
Week 0 (Aug 21): @ Mt. Pleasant (San Jose)
Week 1 (Aug 28): @ San Jose High
Week 2 (Sept 4): vs. Westmont
Week 3 (Sept 11): vs. Oak Grove
Week 4 (Sept 18): Bye
Week 5 (Sept 25): vs. Milpitas
Week 6 (Oct 2): vs. South San Francisco*
Week 7 (Oct 9): vs. Jefferson*
Week 8 (Oct 15): @ Terra Nova* (Thursday)
Week 9 (Oct 23): vs. Los Altos*
Week 10 (Oct 30): @ Santa Clara*
Week 11 (Nov 6): @ Homestead
Outlook: A Program Taking Shape
There’s a different tone around Fremont football heading into 2026—one built on accountability, effort, and belief.
The Firebirds aren’t just looking to improve—they’re building something sustainable.
With year two under Coach Davis, a committed group of student-athletes, and a strong offseason foundation, Fremont is positioning itself for a season defined not just by growth—but by results.
And if the offseason is any indication, this team is ready to earn it.