THE PREDICTIONS (August 26, 2026)

Here come the predictions for Miss Teen USA 2026!
The hosts for preliminaries were: Dani Walker-Miss Montana USA 2018 and Sean Michael Rae (remember to hold the mic closer, please...). The judges panel included: Kaliegh Garris-Miss Teen USA 2019, Ki'ilani Arruda-Miss Teen USA 2020, Kelsey Swanson-Miss Rhode Island USa 2017 and star of 'The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,' Kylan Darnell-Miss Ohio Teen USA 2022 (top 16 at Miss Teen USA 2022) and Internet personality, Marie P. Anderson-Owner of Boss Babe Models and the only male judge was Bessie Besana-Filipino fashion designer and founder of his own luxury brand. The preliminaries webcast for Miss Teen USA was supposed to be 12 p.m. PST but it was delayed by approximately 96 minutes due to the Miss USA preliminaries webcast also being delayed and rumor has it that some guests of honor had to leave Teen prelims early for the Miss USA 75th anniversary yacht party so there were some displeased people.

After watching preliminaries, state costumes and (digging through social media, reviewing bios, videos and pictures-I didn't have time to do most of this...), I have now come up with my final predictions for Miss Teen USA 2026 and they are as follows!


TOM'S FINAL PREDICTIONS FOR MISS TEEN USA 2026

Winner = West Virginia-Gracia Knight

You remember that glow that I mention that I see in certain delegates. Well, I saw it in Gracia during preliminaries with her presentation skills. I think she is supremely confident and just gives me winner vibes so just like that, she gets my win! She is new to the pageant world but she is accomplished as a senior at Bridgeport High School and she is Senior Class Vice President and holds a 4.25 GPA. She is the founder of Girls with Glory in her region and she is a Teen State Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network, and an active volunteer who enjoys dancing, modeling, and softball. West Virginia has never won the crown but they have some notable runners-up. Their best placement was 1st runner up thanks to Elizabeth Sabatino in 2012 so let's see they will have grace on Gracia!

1st Runner Up = Mississippi-Mykala Donlon

Mykala was 1st runner up at Miss South Carolina Teen USA before being selected to represent this open casting state of Mississippi but she is a complete standout and one of the top contenders for the crown. She was born in South Africa and moved to Charleston, South Carolina with her family at age five. She volunteers through blood drives and community service projects and plans to attend the University of Miami to study microbiology and immunology with hopes of pursuing a medical career. Mississippi has claimed two Miss Teen USA crowns thanks to Kristi Addis in 1987 and Addie Carver in 2024 so is it time again?

2nd Runner Up = New York-Elisa Akin

Elisa is a performer and it shows! She plays the flute and is studies Liberal Arts at NYU who founded an initiative called Art & Soul to empower children through the healing power of the arts particularly those facing chronic illness. Elisa competed in the previous two Miss New York Teen USA pageants and both those winners placed so this is a great sign for Elisa to keep New York's 3-year streak going and possibly get the crown of which New York has the very first one won by Ruth Zakarian in 1983.

3rd Runner Up = Georgia-Kiran Reddy

Of Indian descent, Kiran has shown us that she is 'Reddy' for the crown!! She was valedictorian of her high school class and exemplifies academic excellence so she is certainly one to watch. Georgia has a whopping 6-year streak in the semifinals and Kiran is well expected to keep it going since she was a runner-up to two of those Georgian placers but Georgia has come close to the crown several times but never won but they have 4 1st runners-up (1991, 1994, 2009 and 2024) so is it finally time for the Peach state?

4th Runner Up = Idaho-Shayleena Wijerathna

Shayleena really impressed me during preliminaries with that fabulous hair and she has a pageant history of winning Teen Universal Petite 2023 and Teen Petite USA 2022 so this girl is a pro already and it shows! Idaho claimed its only crown in 1989 thanks to Brandi Sherwood who is attending this year's Miss USA pageant for the 75th anniversary so let's see if Shayleena can make Idaho proud once again!

FINALISTS:

Indiana-Kiersten Alvarado

Like Idaho's delegate, I love Kiersten's hair! She even has a leg up in the competition as she was already announced as the fitness winner so she is absolutely one to watch as she delivered in preliminaries! The home of the thrilling Indy 500 has never won the crown but the closest they came was when Kelly Lloyd got 1st runner up in 1993 so is it finally time for Indiana?

Delaware-Sydney Hayden

Sydney really sparkled in the preliminaries so I would not be surprised to see her take it all. Delaware claimed its only Miss Teen USA crown in 1999 thanks to Ashley Coleman so let's see if Sydney can add another crown to the list!

Arizona-Ella Hansen

Ella is another one that really impressed in preliminaries. She relocated from Utah to attend Arizona State University studying Nutrition and her initiative Nourish and Flourish is dedicated to educating others particularly young girls about healthy eating and caring for their bodies. Arizona has never won the crown but they came close in 2024 when Rachel McLaen placed 2nd runner up so will Ella bring the crown to Arizona?

Arkansas-Raquel Olea

Raquel also really brought it in preliminaries. She is of Mexican descent and is an advocate for healthy communication skills. Arkansas claimed one crown in 2008 thanks to Stevi Perry so let's see if Raquel can repeat that feat!

Iowa-Avery Bradley

Avery was previously Miss Iowa’s Teen 2024 and made top 11 at Miss America’s Teen 2025. She won medals at the Iowa State Track & Field Championships and received top ranking for her class at Muscatine High School. Avery shone brightly during prelims so that experience has paid off so I'm expecting big things from Avery. Iowa claimed the crown in 1992 thanks to Jamie Solinger and they have done well in recent years so let's see what happens!

SEMIFINALISTS:

Ohio-Emma Fossum

Emma has that diverse look that I think the judges will go for and she was a standout in preliminaries. She is an open casting delegate who is actually from Dallas, Texas and she was also Miss Texas’ Teen 2025 and 2nd runner-up Miss America’s Teen 2026 so this is definitely one to watch. Ohio claimed its only crown in 2005 thanks to Allie LaForce so let's see if Emma can get another crown for Ohio!

Oregon-Reagan Strazzeri

Reagan won the interview award so that immediately makes her one to watch. She is yet another open casting delegate who is actually from Marina del Ray in California and was even a semi-finalist at Miss California Teen USA 2025. Oregon boasts 3 Miss Teen USA titles won by Mindy Duncan in 1988, Bridgette Wilson in 1990 and Tami Farrell in 2003 so let's see if Reagan can add to that list!

New Mexico-Olivia Biggs

Olivia is originally from Dallas, Texas and has won Miss Teen Texas International 2024 and Dallas Teen 2025 so she is definitely has the experience to go far in this competition. She was a standout in preliminaries with a really striking and unique gown and a great body and overall look. New Mexico has placed 7 times but never in the top 5 so Olivia has a chance to bring some glory to New Mexico.

Louisiana-Kadie Sumbler

Kadie is one of this youngest delegates at age 15 who attends the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge and dreams of becoming a physician but she really stood out in preliminaries with her buff body and proved that she can hold her own so she is one to watch. Louisiana has claimed two Miss Teen USA crowns thanks to Shelley Hennig in 2004 and Katherine Haik in 2015 so let's see if Kadie can get another crown for the Bayou state.

Nebraska-Brynlee Hansen

Brynlee created Ability for Everybody after nannying a child with special needs and advocates for inclusion of people with disabilities in sports. Brynlee did well in preliminaries and seems spunky. Nebraska claimed the crown once in 2022 thanks to Faron Medhi so let's see how Brynlee does.

Oklahoma-Chloe Braxton

Chloe is a first-year Finance major at the University of Alabama focusing on Value Investing with a minor in International Business and aiming to become a pre-law student. Oklahoma claimed its only crown back in 1986 thanks to Allison Brown so let's see how Chloe does.

Tennessee-Alana Dixon

Interestingly enough, Alana was runner-up to Oklahoma's delegate Chloe Braxton so it may be no coincidence that I am ranking her one spot below Oklahoma's delegate, Chloe Braxton but to be honest, I don't get this one but we'll see how she does. Alana is another open casting delegate who lives in DeSoto, Texas and she was even 3rd runner-up at Miss Texas Teen USA 2025. Alana also won the state costume award which was fan voted so she may even get one of the People's choice spots. Tennessee has claimed two Miss Teen USA crowns with Shelly Moore in 1997 and Stormi Henley in 2009 and two former Tennessee Teens would go on to win Miss USA, Lynnette Cole in 2000 and Rachel Smith in 2007 so let's see if Alana can add to Tennessee's rich pageant history.

Utah-Maizy Baldwin

Maizy is an international model who hails from St. George and seeks to create awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. Utah has never won the crown but their highest ranking was in 1995 when Loni Sorden was 2nd runner up so let's see if Maizy can get the crown for Utah.

Michigan-Mia Vanessa Prom

This is another open casting delegate who is from Tampa, Florida and was even 2nd runner up at Miss Florida Teen USA 2026 but she is Filipina as is one of the judges so let's see if that means something.

Missouri-Vegas Turner

Vegas previously lived in New York where she attended the Institute for American Musical Theatre and also competed at Miss New York Teen USA placing 2nd runner up for 2024 and as a semifinalist in 2023. She is now a student at the University of Missouri and Vegas has a more unique look but somehow I think the judges will be intrigued by her performing background so she is one to watch. The reigning Miss Teen USA represented Missouri which has claimed the crown 3 times (2001, 2017 and 2025) so let's see if Vegas can pull off the first successive win for a state!

ALTERNATES:

Texas-Chloe Bella Dietz

So, here are the deets on Dietz.... Chloe was selected throught the open casting system. She was previously 3rd runner-up at Miss Arkansas Teen USA 2026, 2nd runner-up at Miss Texas Teen USA 2025 and 2nd runner-up at Miss Texas Teen USA 2024. She attends the University of Arkansas and after living temporarily in Costa Rica before the move back to Texas, she started a program to educate others about menstrual health. Texas has claimed 3 Miss Teen USA crowns (1996, 2011 and 2016) so let's see if Chloe can add to that list.

Pennsylvania-Alheyda Guerra

Alheyda was another open casting delegate who is actually from Laredo, Texas and was even a semifinalist at Miss Texas Teen USA 2025 so here we go again, I'm placing her one spot below Texas' delegate who ranked higher at Miss Texas Teen USA 2025 but Alheyda could make it. Her statute of independence costume was intriguing so let's see what happens. Pennsylvania claimed the crown once in 2000 thanks to Jillian Parry.

Virginia-Madyson Blizzard

She just had to wear one of those panty gowns, didn't she? I thought we were done with those! She could easily place but I don't know if the judges will warm up to her like some of the other delegates so I put her as an alternate but we'll see. She didn't place as highly in her previous state pageants so that makes me question but she loves teaching children about cooking.

Rhode Island-Sienna Tandon

I want to give her a spot but I don't know who to take out. She has that curly hair and she even speaks some Chinese in addition to English and Spanish so maybe she will make it so we'll see. Rhode Island hasn't had much luck at Miss Teen USA either as they have placed 8 times with some very notable contestants but never advancing to top 5.

New Jersey-Makenna Wayman

Makenna could be up there. It's really hard to narrow this down but she won her state title as a newbie and launched the Fuel Your Purpose journal so we'll see. New Jersey has won the 2023 Miss Teen USA crown with UmaSofia Srivastava who resigned but was not replaced.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Florida-Sarah Duncan

The hometown girl had a really great gown and is an advocate for women in STEM but this is just where she landed on my list so we'll see how she does. Florida claimed its only Miss Teen USA crown in 2021 thanks to Breanna Myles.

Kansas-Dia Kearney

Another one that could easily be up there being class valedictorian but somehow I just didn't feel strongly enough about her and she ended up here on my list. Kansas claimed 2 Miss Teen USA crowns with Keylee Sue Sanders in 1995 and Hailey Colborn in 2018.

Kentucky-Taylor Moore

Taylor was an open casting delegate but she is from Louisville and was 2nd runner up to the state title last year so she's a fit. Some of her movements seemed a little forced or held too long so I felt she seemed somewhat unsure of herself.

Massachusetts-Brooke Goodrich

We might need a redhead in the mix, no? Brooke placed in the Teen division four times prior to finally winning the state title so that experience has paid off and Brooke is in the running for Miss Teen USA. Massachusetts has never won Miss Teen USA but they have a 2nd runner up thanks to Marianna Zaslavsky in 2001 and Susie Castillo who went unplaced at Miss Teen USA 1998 went on to win Miss USA 2003 so you really never know!

Hawaii-Olivia Tom

Olivia is from Maui and one of the judges is Hawaiian so that could work in Olivia's favor. She was decent in preliminaries but I needed to see a bit more confidence.

In my next tier, I have:
Illinois, Connecticut, Montana, Minnesota, New Hampshire and North Carolina who is an enrolled citizen of the Lumbee Tribe.



You Gotta Say Yes to Another Excess!


Two contestants took Miss Universe 2019-Zozibini Tunzi's words "take up space" to heart and those would be Nevada's Ashley Salgado who had a large bow on the back of her dress that some compared to a bean bag chair and it was one of the most interesting sights in preliminaries. Also, noticeably of more weight than the other delegates is Alaska's Allison Kirksey who boldly rocked her plus-sized figure, stretch marks and all, for the masses to see and maybe it will pay off because it worked for Nepal's delegate, Jane Dipika Garrett at Miss Universe 2023 and maybe Alaska will win the fan vote so we'll see if being a little excessive pays off for these two!


The special award winners announced in preliminaries were: Oregon for fitness, Indiana for the Cheslie Kryst interview award, Tennessee (fan vote) for state costume and the Flixxe award went to Wisconsin with New Mexico as runner-up. Vanbros and Associates won best state directors which include John Vannatta and his family including daughter Jennifer vannatta Fisher-Miss Kansas 1998 (unplaced at Miss America 1999) and son Jason Vannatta involved with the graphic design for the Miss USA/Teen USA pageants.


So there you have it! Another year with another list so let's see how it goes this time around and we'll find out who I got right or who I missed entirely!

Watch Miss Teen USA 2026 on the Queen Beauty Network website http://www.queenbeauty.tv/missusa on August 26 at 5 p.m.(Pacific Standard Time)/8 p.m.(Eastern Standard Time)!


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PREPARE FOR PRELIMINARIES! (August 14, 2026)

Mailyn Marsh-Miss Teen USA 2025
Who will succeed Missouri's Mailyn Marsh and be the teen queen for 2026?

An interesting change is occurring this year with the new Miss Teen USA chosen for 2026 is going to compete for the 2026 Miss Teen Universe title (not affiliated with the Miss Universe pageant). Miss Teen Universe 2026 is scheduled to take place from October 19 to 26, 2026, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. What will be interesting is that Miss Teen USA 2025, Missouri's Mailyn Marsh will also be competing for the 2026 Miss Teen Universe title but Mailyn apparently has Hungarian roots and will be representing Hungary during the 2026 Miss Teen Universe pageant competing with whoever is crowned Miss Teen USA 2026.


This is all reminiscent of when in the early years of Miss Teen USA, if she met the age requirement, she would go on to compete for Miss USA. The first Miss Teen USA, New York's Ruth Zakarian (crowned in 1983) competed for Miss USA 1984 alongside Miss Teen USA 1984, Illinois' Cherise Haugen. Neither of them placed but Cherise had the higher preliminary swimsuit score (8.288) vs. Ruth's score (8.120) and Miss Teen USA 1986, Oklahoma's Allison Brown would compete for Miss USA 1987 also going unplaced with a preliminary swimsuit score of 8.187. Other Miss Teen USA winners have tried for Miss USA. Miss Teen USA 1985, Hawaii's Kelly Ann Hu competed representing Hawaii for Miss USA 1993 finishing in 4th place. Miss Teen USA 1989, Idaho's Brandi Sherwood competed representing Idaho for Miss USA 1997 and finished as 1st runner up but inherited the Miss USA crown when 1997's Miss USA winner, Hawaii's Brook Lee went on to win Miss Universe 1997. Miss Teen USA 1992, Iowa's Jamie Solinger competed representing Iowa for Miss USA 1998 but did not place. Miss Teen USA 1994, California's Shauna Gambill competed representing California for Miss USA 1998 and finished as 1st runner up to Massachusetts' Shawnae Jebbia but Shauna would be appointed to represented the USA at Miss World 1998 and finished in the top 10. Miss Teen USA 1996, Texas' Christie Lee Woods attempted 3 times to win Miss Texas USA with her best finish being 3rd runner up at Miss Texas USA 2002. Miss Teen USA 1999, Delaware's Ashley Coleman competed for Miss California USA 2006 but finished 3rd runner up. Miss Teen USA 2003, Oregon's Tami Farrell competed for Miss California USA 2009 but finished as 1st runner up to Carrie Prejean who was later dethroned and Tami inherited the title of Miss California USA 2009. Miss Teen USA 2006, Montana's Katie Blair competed for Miss California USA 2011 but finished as 1st runner up to Alyssa Campanella who went on to win Miss USA 2011 and Katie then inherited the title of Miss California USA 2011. Miss Teen USA 2011, Texas' Danielle Doty competed for Miss Texas USA 2018 but placed among the top 18.

Watch Miss Teen USA 2026 (as of August 20, not on the CW network but on the Queen Beauty Network website) on August 26 at 5 p.m.(Pacific Standard Time)/8 p.m.(Eastern Standard Time)!

Preliminaries are on August 25 at 2 p.m. (Pacific Time), then the big day for the Miss Teen USA 2026 crowning is August 26 and the pageant will be held for the ninth time as a concurrent event just prior to the 2026 Miss USA pageant being held on August 27 in Miami, Florida.





I will post my final predictions for Miss Teen USA 2026 on the morning of August 26 after analyzing preliminaries on August 25 and we will find out later that day, who wins the crown!