High school football in Ohio is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, and there are several key developments that fans in Columbus and beyond should be eager to know about.

First off, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced the divisional breakdowns for the upcoming season. As of May 1, 2025, the landscape has been set for the 706 schools participating in 11-man football. The regular season is slated to kick off the week of August 18[3][5].

One of the notable changes involves the divisional shifts due to factors such as male student enrollment and the OHSAA's competitive balance formula. While no schools opted to move up to Division I from lower divisions, there are some significant moves. For instance, the Winton Woods team is stepping up to Division I from Division II, while La Salle will remain in Division II. Other local teams like Badin Rams are returning to Division III after a stint in Division II, and Purcell Marian is moving up to Division V from Division VI[5].

In Central Ohio, several teams are maintaining their current divisions. Indian Hill and CHCA will stay in Division IV, despite having the option to compete in a lower division. These changes promise to bring new challenges and opportunities for teams across the region[5].

For fans of specific teams, the schedules are also starting to roll out. The Dover Crimson Tornadoes, for example, have announced their 2025 schedule, which includes 10 games against a mix of familiar and new opponents. Their schedule features notable matches against Columbus Academy, Mansfield Madison, Maple Heights, Steubenville, and West Holmes. Other teams on their slate include Ashland, Glenoak, Linsly, New Philadelphia, and a road game against Wooster[1].

As the season approaches, excitement is building. The OHSAA will provide weekly computer points starting from Week 4, and the state playoffs information will be available as the season progresses[4].

With new divisions, fresh schedules, and the promise of intense competition, the 2025 high school football season in Ohio is shaping up to be one to remember. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking forward to the Friday night lights, there's plenty to be excited about as these young athletes take the field.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI