US Edition
OHSAA Reduces Football Playoff Field to 12 Teams per Region
- On June 12, 2025, the governing body for high school sports in Ohio announced a change to football playoffs, cutting the number of teams advancing from each region from 16 to 12 across all seven divisions.
- This adjustment came after receiving feedback and holding discussions following the previous expansion of playoff spots per region from a dozen to sixteen starting in 2021, which had raised concerns about uneven matchups and a reduction in competitive balance.
- The 2025 playoffs will grant first-round byes to the top four seeds in each region, with three postseason rounds hosted by the higher seeded schools to enhance fairness and reduce game volume.
- OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute noted that in recent years, a greater number of schools have participated in the football postseason, and some teams with lower rankings have achieved victories in playoff rounds.
- The reduction will decrease the total playoff qualifiers statewide by 112 schools and cut 56 first-round games, potentially increasing playoff competitiveness while maintaining seven divisions and established regional assignments.
18 Articles
18 Articles
OHSAA Announces Changes to Football Playoff Format
Several significant changes highlight the 2025 Ohio High School Athletic Association football playoff regulations that were approved Thursday by the OHSAA Board of Directors. The number of qualifiers per region will be 12 instead of 16, with the top four seeds in each region earning a first-round bye. In addition, the first three rounds of the postseason will be hosted by the higher seeded team instead of the first two rounds. From 1999 through…
Football playoffs reduced from 16 teams to 12 per region
The high school football playoffs will have a different setup moving forward. On Thursday, the Ohio High School Athletic Association announced that the playoffs will shrink from 16 teams to 12 in each region. The change came after a vote by the OHSAA Board of Directors. Under the new format, the playoffs will have 12 teams advance in each region and the top-four seeds will earn a first-round bye. Additionally, the first three rounds will be held…
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