Ohio high school football governing body announces 2025 divisions and regions

The governing body for Ohio high school football revealed that over 700 schools will compete starting this August. In an official press release, the Ohio High School Athletic Association announced that 706 schools will play 11-man football in 2025.

Just like in other states, Ohio based its divisions on base male enrollment, leading to 46 schools moving up a division. Out of that number, 12 schools moved up due to the OHSAA’s competitive balance process based on provided team rosters.

Meanwhile, the distribution of Ohio high school football schools through seven divisions is roughly equal. Division V or schools with 157 to 201 male enrollees have 106 schools, the same number with Division VI (112 to 156 enrollees) and Division VII (111 and less).

Furthermore, Division I (at least 592 male enrollees) has the smallest field of competitors at 72. Division II (378 to 591 enrollees) have 104 schools, Division III (268 to 377 enrollees) has 107 schools, and Division III (268 to 377 enrollees) have 107 competing schools.

Likewise, the OHSAA states that Ohio high school football teams can have 13 days of practice without pads during summer. However, the schools can structure their physical fitness and conditioning programs as they see fit. Teams also get five mandatory practice days starting July 15 for acclimatization, while regular season practices start on August 1.

In related news, the OHSAA also announced their calendar for the 2025 season. The regular season starts during the week of August 18 and ends on October 25. Meanwhile, the first round of the regional tournament will commence on October 31.

Ohio high school football will have four rounds of regional tournaments, culminating in the regional finals on November 21. After that round, all winners will compete in the state semifinals a week later. Finally, the state championships will be from December 4-6 at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.