Reigning champion Grapevine removed from playoffs due to ineligible player
Two-time defending Class 5A state baseball champion Grapevine has been removed from the high school playoffs hours before it was set to start its quest for a historic three-peat.
“UIL can confirm that on April 29, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD self-reported the participation of an ineligible Grapevine High School player during the 2025-2026 baseball season,” the University Interscholastic League said in a statement sent to the Star-Telegram.
“Per the UIL Constitution & Contest Rules, the minimum penalty is forfeiture of all games in which the player participated. As a result, Grapevine High School has withdrawn from the UIL state baseball playoffs.”
The Mustangs were set to compete in the bi-district round against Chisholm Trail on Wednesday and start a potentially historic playoff run. The team had the opportunity to win three consecutive championships — something that hasn’t happened in UIL baseball since 1988. Grapevine won the 5A title in 2024, then the 5A Division II title last season, the first with split championships.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD issued a statement to the Star-Telegram:
“The district was notified Tuesday evening by the UIL regarding an allegation of an ineligible player on the GHS baseball team. Upon immediate internal investigation, it was determined that a student-athlete did not meet the specific requirements outlined in Section 442 of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. While the player was initially deemed eligible based on the information provided to the district, we have taken full responsibility following this investigation and proactively self-reported the findings to the UIL.”
Section 442 requires athletes to be a “resident of the attendance zone in which the participant school being attended is situated.”
The GCISD statement continues:
“Throughout this process, [head baseball coach Jimmy] Webster has cooperated fully and remained committed to the integrity of the program, ensuring that our commitment to the highest standards of the UIL was upheld at every turn.”
A Grapevine baseball parent said Webster met with players and took full accountability — Two days later in a statement to ensure transparency, GCISD said Webster and his staff are not at fault and followed established protocols.
With Grapevine’s removal, Colleyville Heritage will now face Chisholm Trail in the bi-district round, according to the UIL. The shake-up also gives Denton Ryan, District 6-5A’s fifth-place finisher, a playoff berth.
Colleyville Heritage was originally supposed to face Aledo in the Class 5A Division I playoffs. Grapevine’s removal changes the division split and brings Colleyville Heritage to the 5A Division II bracket.
The GCISD statement continues:
“We realize this news is deeply disappointing for our players, families, and fans, and it is not the ending anyone envisioned for this season. However, we refuse to compromise our commitment to the rules and the values of honesty and sportsmanship. Our focus now remains on supporting our student-athletes and helping them navigate this challenge with the same resilience they demonstrate on the field.”
The UIL said matchups involving other teams in Grapevine’s district — Birdville vs. Granbury and Argyle vs. White Settlement Brewer — were not affected and will take place as originally scheduled.
This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
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