The 2025 high school football season in Ohio is gearing up to be an exciting one, especially for teams in and around Columbus. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has just announced the divisional breakdowns for the upcoming season, and there are some significant changes to note.

First off, a total of 706 schools across the state will be participating in 11-man football, with the regular season kicking off the week of August 18. This year’s divisions have been determined based on factors such as male student enrollment and the OHSAA’s competitive balance formula, which ensures that schools are matched against opponents of similar competitive levels.

In Central Ohio, several teams are experiencing changes in their divisions. For instance, the Badin Rams are moving back to Division III after a stint in Division II last season, due to enrollment changes. Purcell Marian is stepping up to Division V from Division VI, thanks to competitive balance considerations. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Country Day is dropping down to Division VII following a decrease in enrollment.

Locally, Winton Woods is making a significant jump, transitioning up to Division I from Division II. La Salle, however, will remain in Division II for another season. Indian Hill and CHCA will stay put in Division IV, despite having the option to compete in a lower division.

These changes promise to shake up the dynamics of local rivalries and competitions, adding an extra layer of excitement to the season. The stability and shifts in divisions ensure that teams will face new challenges and opportunities, keeping the competition fresh and engaging.

Aside from the divisional changes, the region’s top athletes had a chance to showcase their skills at the 2025 Under Armour Next Football Camp Series held at Pickerington High School North. This camp provided a platform for players to hone their on-field skills and compete against other top athletes. Four athletes from the Class of 2026 earned invitations to the 2026 Under Armour Next All-America Game, including LB Cincere Johnson from Glenville and LB Chris “CJ” Sanna from Olentangy.

As the season approaches, fans in Columbus and across Ohio are eagerly anticipating the kickoff, ready to support their local teams through the ups and downs of the new divisional alignments. With fresh matchups and renewed rivalries, the 2025 high school football season is set to be one for the books.