Lakota West sophomore quarterback J.T. Muñoz already holds a college scholarship offer and carries one of the most recognizable football surnames in Cincinnati history. This fall, the 16-year-old West Chester Township product may see an increased role in the Firebirds' varsity offense as the program chases a bounce-back season, according to a WCPO report published Monday, July 27.

Muñoz is the grandson of Anthony Muñoz, the former Bengals offensive tackle inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998 after 11 consecutive Pro Bowl selections and 13 seasons in Cincinnati. His father, Michael Muñoz, was a consensus All-American offensive tackle at Tennessee and SEC Lineman of the Year who played at Moeller High School.

J.T. plays a different position than his grandfather and father, but the football bloodline runs deep. Muñoz told WCPO he hopes to get playing time and gain experience for the future, saying he wants to see how varsity rolls and engage with the team.

Muñoz played freshman football in 2025 while dressing for both JV and varsity games. Head coach Tom Bolden, who has more than 200 career wins and has led Lakota West to the OHSAA playoffs in each of his seven seasons with the program, is impressed with the young quarterback's potential, according to the report. Bolden won the Cincinnati Bengals' Paul Brown Excellence in Coaching Award for the 2024 season.

SEE | J.T. Muñoz highlight video on Hudl

Senior Jackson Smith remains the Firebirds' starting quarterback. Muñoz described Smith as a quiet leader who loves throwing the ball and making good decisions, adding that he hopes to take on that leadership role by his junior or senior year.

The sophomore attended camps at Miami University and the University of Cincinnati this offseason and holds a scholarship offer from the RedHawks. He said the offer could open doors to additional opportunities down the road.

Muñoz also plays lacrosse and credits his mother, Emily Muñoz, as a key influence. He said he learned about football and faith from his grandfather.

Lakota West finished 7-5 in 2025 after going 11-2 and reaching the OHSAA Division I Region 4 semifinal in 2024. Senior tight end Xavier Ratica, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound three-star recruit verbally committed to Louisville, said the Firebirds feel overlooked heading into the new season.

"I feel like we're definitely under the radar," Ratica told WCPO. "Last year, we just didn't put out the outcome that we wanted. A lot of people are kind of judging us based off of that, which I don't blame them for, but I feel like this year we're going to open a lot of eyes with how we're going to come out playing."

The Firebirds open the 2026 season at home against St. Xavier on Friday, August 21, then host rival Lakota East on Friday, August 28. As we reported July 16, the St. Xavier matchup headlines a loaded early-season schedule for the program.