by Per the OHSAA
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the new divisional breakdowns and playoff regions for 2026 football season.
Of note, school consolidations are anticipated this summer within Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Youngstown City School District, which will result in some schools within those districts being reclassified into higher divisions. The OHSAA annually sets September 10 as the date to collect enrollment data from new schools and schools that have consolidations.
Starting Monday, schools will have a two-week window to opt up to Division I, per OHSAA bylaw 2-1-1, which could result in additional changes to divisional assignments.
Prior to those consolidations and potential opt-ups, the current 2026 divisions and regions are posted at: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Football/Football-2026
2026 OHSAA Football – Report Showing All Schools
A total of 37 schools moved up a division from their 2025 assignment, which is due to the 2026-27 school year being the start of a new two-year base enrollment cycle, and/or also the OHSAA’s competitive balance process.
Schools can have up to 13 days of practice without pads during the summer, beginning May 15. An additional five days are permitted beginning July 15 for schools to complete the mandatory five-day acclimatization period. The OHSAA does not set a limit on physical fitness and conditioning workouts in the summer.
2026 OHSAA Football Divisional Breakdowns
Division Adjusted Enrollment Number of Teams
I 601 and more 72
II 356 to 600 106
III 257 to 355 106
IV 197 to 256 104
V 150 to 198 105
VI 107 to 149 107
VII 148 and less 108
Total Teams 708
2026 OHSAA Football Calendar
Summer Period: May 15 through July 31 (13 practices permitted, plus five days for acclimation)
Practice Begins – August 1
Regular-Season Begins – Week of August 17 (first Friday is August 21)
Regular-Season Ends – Saturday night, October 24
Playoff Qualifiers Announced – Sunday, October 25
Regional First Round – Friday, October 30
Regional Quarterfinals – Friday, November 6
Regional Semifinals – Friday, November 13
Regional Finals – Friday, November 20
State Semifinals – Friday, November 27
State Championships – December 3-5, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton
### OHSAA ###
