News Summary

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) will implement a new 12-team playoff format beginning in the 2024 season. This change, based on feedback from member schools, will reduce the playoff qualifiers from 16 to 12 teams per region. The top four seeds in each region will enjoy a first-round bye, enhancing competition and excitement. The revised structure stems from concerns over the previous format’s impact on the prestige of playoff qualifications. The first round of playoffs is set to kick off on October 31, while regular season action begins in late August.

Ohio High School Football Playoffs to Welcome New Format in 2024

Exciting changes are on the horizon for high school football fans in Ohio! The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) recently announced that starting in the 2024 season, the number of playoff qualifiers per region will decrease, promising a fresh twist for teams and their loyal supporters. Say goodbye to the previous 16-team setup and hello to a 12-team playoff format!

A Sneak Peek at the New Format

This is a significant shift, as the OHSAA will now allow only 12 teams to qualify in each region. This is the first instance in the association’s history where this format will be implemented, taking into account a broad range of feedback from member schools.

The playoff atmosphere is set to get even more thrilling with the top four seeds in every region receiving a coveted first-round bye. This means that those teams will have a head start, allowing them to strategize while others fight for their chance to advance.

How the Matchups Will Look

In the first round, the excitement heats up as the following matchups are set:

  • No. 12 seed will clash with No. 5 seed
  • No. 11 seed will take on No. 6 seed
  • No. 10 seed will face-off against No. 7 seed
  • No. 9 seed will go up against No. 8 seed

Fast forward to the second round, where the action keeps escalating:

  • The No. 1 seed will host the winner of the No. 12 vs. No. 5 matchup
  • The No. 2 seed will go head-to-head with the winner of the No. 11 vs. No. 6 challenge
  • The No. 3 seed will welcome the victor of the No. 10 vs. No. 7 encounter
  • The No. 4 seed will take on the winner of the No. 8 vs. No. 9 battle

When to Tune In

Mark your calendars! The high school football season kicks off in late August, with the first Friday night of action slated for August 22. The thrill of the playoffs really begins to build as playoff qualifiers will be revealed on October 26, leading up to the first round on October 31. It’s going to be a football-filled fall!

What’s Behind the Change?

The OHSAA’s decision to trim down the number of qualifiers comes after in-depth feedback from coaches and schools alike. The previous format, which had its roots in 2021 and allowed for 16 teams to compete in the playoffs, faced criticism over the diminishing prestige of making it to the playoffs and the unfortunate reality of multiple one-sided early-round games.

By reducing the first round of post-season play by 56 games across the state, this change is expected to touch the lives of around 112 schools both positively and hopefully. The same survey that led to this decision saw about 1,000 member schools weighing in, showing that many coaches are eager for a system that brings back the thrill of earning a playoff spot.

Looking Ahead

With around 706 schools expected to join the 11-man football circuit this upcoming season, the excitement level is high. The OHSAA playoffs have been a staple of Ohio sports culture since way back in 1972 when there were only 12 qualifiers. Now, with these upcoming changes, there’s a buzz that suggests high school football in Ohio is heading toward a new exciting chapter.

As the season progresses, it’s clear that everyone is looking forward to a healthier competitive environment where each achievement matters, and every game counts. Ohio high school football fans, get ready because the thrilling 2024 season is just around the corner!

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