COLUMBUS – The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the new divisional breakdowns and playoff regions for 2026 football season this week.

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 on the OHSAA website.

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.

Locally, Big Red will remain in Division III, Region 11; Catholic Central remains in Division VII, Region 27; Indian Creek remains in Division IV, Region 15; Edison remains in Division V, Region 17; Toronto moves from Division VI to Division VII and will compete in Region 27; Buckeye Local remains in Division V, Region 17; and Harrison Central remains in Division V, Region 17.