In a significant shake-up for high school football in Ohio, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced a new playoff format set to debut in the 2025 season. This change is aimed at refining the competitive landscape and enhancing the playoff experience for teams and fans alike.

Starting this fall, the number of teams qualifying for the playoffs in each region will be reduced from the previous format to the top 12 teams. This adjustment is designed to increase the competitiveness of the playoff games, ensuring that only the strongest teams advance to the postseason.

Here’s how it will work: each of Ohio’s football regions will now feature 12 qualifying teams, with the top four seeds in each region earning a first-round bye. This means that the top teams will have an extra week to prepare and recover before entering the playoff fray, potentially giving them an edge as they vie for the state championships.

The postseason will still consist of six rounds, culminating in the state championships, maintaining the excitement and depth of the previous format. This structure ensures that teams will have to navigate through multiple challenging rounds to claim the top spot, adding to the drama and intensity of the playoffs.

For fans, this new format promises more meaningful and competitive games from the outset, as only the best teams will be competing. The reduction in the number of qualifying teams also underscores the OHSAA’s commitment to maintaining high standards and promoting excellence in high school football.

As the 2025 season approaches, teams across Ohio are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and competitive year. With new regional assignments and divisional breakdowns already released, schools are busy finalizing their regular-season schedules and preparing for the challenges ahead.

The OHSAA has also provided detailed resources, including regional maps and divisional breakdowns, to help schools and fans navigate the new format. This transparency ensures that everyone is on the same page as the season kicks off.

In summary, the 2025 high school football season in Ohio is set to be more competitive and thrilling than ever, thanks to the OHSAA’s new playoff format. With top teams earning byes and only the best 12 teams in each region qualifying, fans can expect high-stakes games and intense competition all the way to the state championships.