COLUMBUS – 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.

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.

Locally, several schools will change divisions and regions for the 2026 season.

Union Local and St. Clairsville will move up to Division IV from Division V and will compete in Region 15.

Barnesville goes from Region 19 to Region 17, while Martins Ferry moves up from Division VI to Division V and will also play in from 17.

Bridgeport and River will both compete in Division VI, Region 23 instead of Division VII, Region 27.

Toronto goes from Division VI to Division VII and from Region 23 to Region 27.

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.