News Summary

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced major changes for the 2025 high school football season, including new divisional breakdowns and playoff regions. Notably, no schools have moved up to Division I, and 12 schools will advance a division. The 70 largest schools will be placed in Division I, while regional assignments have also been outlined. Summer practice opportunities start May 15, leading up to the kickoff for the season on August 1. Mark your calendars for an action-packed season!

Exciting Changes Ahead for Ohio High School Football in 2025!

Ohio, get ready! The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has rolled out some big news that’s sure to shake up the high school football scene for the 2025 season. On May 9, 2024, the OHSAA announced its new divisional breakdowns and playoff regions, bringing some intriguing shifts that fans and players alike will want to pay attention to.

No Moves Up to Division I

Interestingly, it seems the competitive spirit in Ohio high schools is strong, as not a single school from Divisions II through VII chose to move up to the much-coveted Division I this time around. This means that the divisions will see more schools adjusted based on their base male enrollment counts, which determines how competitive each team is likely to be.

New Additions and Changes

Buckle up! A total of 12 schools have made the jump up a division thanks to OHSAA’s competitive balance process, joining the 34 schools that were already competing at a higher level. So, in total, there are now 46 schools that will be upping their game from their original divisional slots. This change is all about keeping the competition fair and exciting!

Divisional Breakdown

The biggest schools in Ohio, those boasting the largest student bodies, will be assigned to Division I. In fact, the 70 largest schools will find themselves in this powerful division. The rest of the schools will be distributed as evenly as possible among Divisions II through VII, with each division having around 106 schools on average.

Future Moves on the Horizon

There’s also a chance for schools to move up to Division I if the upcoming Referendum Issue 1B passes. Voting results for this referendum will be revealed on May 16, 2024, which could lead to some thrilling changes in the hierarchy of the high school ranks!

Regional Assignments

As part of the new divisional announcement, the OHSAA has laid out the regional assignments that will make up this upcoming football season. For example:

  • Region 1: Berea-Midpark, Brunswick, Canton McKinley, and others.
  • Region 2: Beavercreek, Centerville, Dublin Coffman, and more.
  • Region 3: Delaware Hayes, Gahanna Lincoln, Olentangy, etc.

Mark Your Calendars!

The timeline for the 2024 football season has been set! Teams can kick off their practice sessions starting on August 1. The first games will happen during the week of August 19. The regular season will wrap up on October 26, and the playoff qualifiers will be announced the very next day. The grand state championships are slated for December 5-7 in the energetic town of Canton, Ohio.

Summer Opportunities Galore

Schools have a head start, as practices can begin as early as May 15. They’re allowed to hold 13 days of non-contact practices, plus they have five additional days for acclimatization if they want to take advantage of that. Don’t worry; there’s no limit on those summer workouts, fitness training, and conditioning sessions, so players can keep their game sharp before the season kicks off!

Keep an Eye Out!

The excitement is palpable as teams prepare for the division changes and new regional assignments. With thrilling football action on the way and the opportunity for schools to move up, make sure to keep an eye on your favorite teams as they gear up for an unforgettable season in 2025!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Gainesville High School Football Season Kicks Off
Local High School Soccer Highlights from May 2, 2025
Genesis Rubio Makes History for San Elizario High School
UIL State Track Meet Begins in Austin, Texas
Community in Shock After Brain Injury of Football Player
Proposed Changes to Ohio High School Football Playoffs
Alabama High School Baseball Quarterfinals Heat Up
High School Baseball Playoffs Begin in Phoenix
Los Angeles High School Sports Showdown: Baseball and Softball Scores
Central Ohio High School Football Changes for 2025 Season

Additional Resources