The 2025 high school football season in Ohio is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable, especially in Columbus and the broader Central Ohio area. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has recently announced the divisional assignments for the upcoming season, and there are some intriguing changes to note.

First off, the regular season kicks off the week of August 18, 2025, with the first Friday of the season set for August 22. This year, 706 schools will take to the field for 11-man football, each placed into one of seven divisions based on a combination of male student enrollment and the OHSAA's competitive balance formula.

Here’s a breakdown of the divisions:
- Division I: 72 teams, schools with an adjusted enrollment of 592 and higher.
- Division II: 104 teams, schools with an adjusted enrollment of 378 to 591.
- Division III: 107 teams, schools with an adjusted enrollment of 268 to 377.
- Division IV: 105 teams, schools with an adjusted enrollment of 202 to 267.
- Division V: 106 teams, schools with an adjusted enrollment of 157 to 201.
- Division VI: 106 teams, schools with an adjusted enrollment of 112 to 156.
- Division VII: 106 teams, schools with an adjusted enrollment of 111 and less.

One of the most interesting aspects of this year’s assignments is that all 634 teams in Divisions II through VII had the option to move up to Division I, but none chose to do so. However, there are still some significant changes for local teams.

In Central Ohio, several teams are experiencing divisional shifts. The Winton Woods team is making a notable jump up to Division I from Division II, a testament to their growing enrollment and competitive balance. On the other hand, La Salle will remain in Division II for another season.

Other local teams are also seeing changes. Badin Rams are returning to Division III after a stint in Division II last season, while Purcell Marian is stepping up to Division V from Division VI. Cincinnati Country Day is dropping down to Division VII due to a decrease in enrollment.

Indian Hill and CHCA are maintaining their positions in Division IV, despite having the option to compete in a lower division.

These changes reflect the dynamic nature of high school football in Ohio, where teams must adapt to enrollment fluctuations and competitive balance adjustments. With 38 teams changing divisions statewide, this season promises to be filled with new challenges and opportunities for growth.

As the season approaches, fans in Columbus and across Central Ohio are eagerly anticipating the kickoff, ready to support their local teams as they navigate these new divisional landscapes. It’s going to be an exciting year for high school football in Ohio