2026 High School Football Playoffs: Start Dates, Championship Dates and Locations for All 50 States

The road to a high school football state championship begins at different times across the country. Alaska opens its playoffs in October, while Connecticut waits until December. The championship calendar stretches from Alaska's October finals to the December title games in Texas.

This state-by-state guide lists the 2026 playoff opening dates and championship schedules for the primary state athletic associations in all 50 states, including their six-, eight- and nine-player classifications. Private-school divisions within those associations are included. Separate independent-school associations, city championships, regional-only titles and flag football are outside this guide's scope.

How to read the schedule: Every date is in 2026. A championship date range means the published championship window; it does not mean each classification plays on every listed date. Where individual class assignments remain unconfirmed, the range is retained. TBA means the association lists the detail as pending. Not verified means this research did not establish a current-season date or venue; it does not necessarily mean no announcement exists. Dates can change.

In states that advance teams through section or district tournaments, the entry distinguishes those qualifiers from the statewide bracket. Classifications sharing a schedule are grouped together and named explicitly.

This guide will be updated as new dates and championship locations are confirmed, so check back for the latest information.

Alabama — AHSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 6. Alabama's new classification system replaces the previous seven-class structure with six public-school classifications and two private-school divisions.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Location
Public 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A; Private Single A and Private Double A	Dec. 1–5 championship window; individual game dates not verified	Hancock Whitney Stadium, University of South Alabama, Mobile

Alaska — ASAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 9–10 in Divisions I, II and III.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championshop Locations
Division II, Division III	Oct. 17	Wasilla High School, Wasilla
Division I	Oct. 23	Colony High School, Palmer

Arizona — AIA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 23 1A, 8-player; Oct. 30 2A; Nov. 6 3A, 4A, 5A; Nov. 13 6A, Open

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
1A, 8-player	No.v 14	TBA
2A	Nov. 28	TBA
3A	Nov. 28	TBA
4A, 5A	Dec. 4	TBA
6A, Open	Dec. 5	TBA

Arkansas — AAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 13.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
8-man	Dec. 3	War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock
2A, 6A	Dec. 4	War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock
7A, 5A	Dec. 5	War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock
4A, 3A	Dec. 12	War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock

California — CIF

Playoffs begin: Section dates vary; the Southern Section opens Nov. 6. State regional championship games are Dec. 4–5. Open Division representatives advance directly to the state final.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
Open; 1-AA, 1-A; 2-AA, 2-A; 3-AA, 3-A; 4-AA, 4-A; 5-AA, 5-A; 6-AA, 6-A; 7-AA, 7-A	Dec. 11–12; individual bowl assignments not verified	TBA

Colorado — CHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 31 in 2A; Nov. 6 in six-man, eight-man, 1A, 3A, 4A and 5A.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Location
6-man, 8-man	Nov. 27	CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl, Pueblo
1A, 2A	Nov. 28	CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl, Pueblo
3A, 4A, 5A	Dec. 5	Canvas Stadium, Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Connecticut — CIAC

Playoffs begin: Dec. 1.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
LL, L, MM, M, SS, S	Dec. 12	TBA

Delaware — DIAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 20–21.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
3A	Dec. 4	TBA
1A, 2A	Dec. 5	TBA

Florida — FHSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 13 for Classes 1A–6A and the Open Division. The Open Division begins with pool play before its semifinals.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A	TBA	South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium, Florida International University, Miami
Open Division	Dec. 12	South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium, Florida International University, Miami
Independent League, two championship divisions	Dec. 4; opening round not verified	The Range at H.G. Morse Stadium, Sumterville
Florida Invitational Tournament (FIT)	TBA	The Range at H.G. Morse Stadium, Sumterville

Georgia — GHSA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 13.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Location
A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A; combined private-school playoff division	Dec. 15–16	Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Hawaii — HHSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 13 Open Division; Nov.14 Division I, Division II

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Location
Open Division	Nov. 21	Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu
Division I, Division II	Nov. 28	Mililani High School, Mililani

Idaho — IHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 30–31 opening-round weekend; the official round-of-12 calendar date is Oct. 31.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Location
6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A 8-player, 1A 8-player	Nov. 20-21	TBA, Sites determined after the semifinals

Illinois — IHSA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 23–24 under the expanded 48-team brackets.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Location
1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A	Nov. 27–28; individual assignments not verified	Hancock Stadium, Illinois State University, Normal

Indiana — IHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 23 in Classes 1A–5A; Oct. 30 in 6A.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
2A, 4A, 6A	Nov. 27	Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
1A, 3A, 5A	Nov. 28	Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

Iowa — IHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 23 in eight-player, A, 1A and 2A; Oct. 30 in 3A, 4A and 5A.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
8-player, A, 1A, 4A	Nov. 19	UNI-Dome, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls
2A, 3A, 5A	Nov. 20	UNI-Dome, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls

Kansas — KSHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 29 for eight-player and six-player; Oct. 30 for eleven-player week-nine bracket games.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
1A, 2A, 3A	Nov. 27	Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson
4A	Nov. 27	BG Products Veterans Sports Complex, Butler Community College, El Dorado
5A, 6A	Nov. 28	BG Products Veterans Sports Complex, Butler Community College, El Dorado
8-player Division I, 8-player Division II, 6-player	Nov. 28	Kiowa County High School, Greensburg

Kentucky — KHSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 5–7 opening-round window, as reported by High School Football America.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A	Dec. 4–5; individual class assignments not verified	Kroger Field, University of Kentucky, Lexington

Louisiana — LHSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 12, the association's opening-round calendar date.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
Select Divisions I, II, III, IV; Non-Select Divisions I, II, III, IV	Dec. 10–12; individual assignments not verified	Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

Maine — MPA

Playoffs begin: Class-specific opening dates TBA.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
8-man Large, 8-man Small	Nov. 14	Edward Little High School, Auburn
A, B	Nov. 21	Fitzpatrick Stadium, Portland
C, D	Nov. 21	Lewiston High School, Lewiston

Maryland — MPSSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 5–7, regional first-round window.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Location
4A, 4A/3A, 3A, 2A, 2A/1A, 1A	Dec. 3–5; class assignments released after semifinals	Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis

Massachusetts — MIAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 5-6.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	TBA	TBA

Michigan — MHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 30–31 for 11-player and 8-player.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
11-player Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	Nov. 27–28; individual assignments not verified	Ford Field, Detroit
8-player Divisions 1, 2	Nov. 20 or 21	Superior Dome, Northern Michigan University, Marquette

Minnesota — MSHSL

Playoffs begin: Section tournaments precede the state bracket and vary by classification. State quarterfinals are Nov. 12–14.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Location
6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, 1A, 9-player	Nov. 27–28; individual assignments not verified	U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

Mississippi — MHSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 6 in 1A–4A; Nov. 13 in 5A–7A.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
4A, 6A	Dec. 3	Davis Wade Stadium, Mississippi State University, Starkville
2A, 7A	Dec. 4	Davis Wade Stadium, Mississippi State University, Starkville
1A, 3A, 5A	Dec. 5	Davis Wade Stadium, Mississippi State University, Starkville

Missouri — MSHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 30 district opening round, class-specific 8-man opening date not verified.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
8-man	Dec. 3	Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph
6, 2, 4	Dec. 4	Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph
5, 1, 3	Dec. 5	Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph

Montana — MHSA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 30 in AA and A. Opening dates for B, 8-player and 6-player TBA.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
AA, A	Nov. 20	Qualifying school host site; determined through the playoff process
B, 8-player, C 6-player	Nov. 20-21	Qualifying school host site; determined through the playoff process

Nebraska — NSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 30 in A, B, C1, C2 and D6. The D1 and D2 opening rounds before their Oct. 30 round-of-16 games TBA.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
D6, 6-man	Nov. 20	Cope Stadium, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney
A, D1, D2	Nov. 23	Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln
B, C1, C2	Nov. 24	Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln

Nevada — NIAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 30–31 in 5A, 4A and 3A. The 2A and 1A opening dates TBA; the Open Division is selected from the top classification.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
Open, 5A, 3A, 1A	Nov. 20	Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Las Vegas area
4A, 2A	Nov. 21	Northern Nevada site, TBA

New Hampshire — NHIAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 6 in Division I; Nov. 7 in Divisions II, III and IV, subject to permitted scheduling adjustments.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
Division IV	Nov. 14	Bank of New Hampshire Stadium, Laconia High School, Laconia
Division II	Nov. 21	Pinkerton Academy, Derry
Division III	Nov. 21	Bank of New Hampshire Stadium, Laconia High School, Laconia
Division I	Nov. 28	Stellos Stadium, Nashua

New Jersey — NJSIAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 30–31 for public Groups 1–5; Nov. 6–7 for Non-Public A and B.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Location
Public Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Non-Public A, Non-Public B	Nov. 28–29; individual assignments pending	MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford

New Mexico — NMAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 30-31for 8-man and 6-man; Nov. 6-7 for Classes 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
6-man	Nov. 14	Finalist host site; not fixed in advance
8-man	Nov. 21	Finalist host site; not fixed in advance
2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A	Nov. 28	Finalist host site; not fixed in advance

New York — NYSPHSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 20-21 for state quarterfinal/regional round; Earlier regional qualifying games TBA.

Classification	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
A, D	Dec. 4	JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse University, Syracuse
AA, B, C	Dec. 5	JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse University, Syracuse

North Carolina — NCHSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 6.

Classifications	Championship Dates	Championship Locations
1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A	Dec. 10–12; individual assignments pending	Kenan Stadium, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Moretz Stadium, Hickory Barker-Lane Stadium, Campbell University, Buies Creek

North Dakota — NDHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 24 in A and 9-man; Oct. 30 in AAA and AA.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
AAA, AA, A, 9-man	Nov. 13	FARGODOME, Fargo

Ohio — OHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 30.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
Division II	Dec. 3	Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton
Divisions V, III, I	Dec. 4	Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton
Divisions VII, VI, IV	Dec. 5	Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton

Oklahoma — OSSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 13

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
C, B-II, 8-player	Dec. 3	TBA
B-I, 8-player	Dec. 4	TBA
6A-I	Dec. 4	Chad Richison Stadium, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
4A, 6A-II	Dec. 5	Chad Richison Stadium, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
3A, 5A	Dec. 10	Chad Richison Stadium, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
A-I, A-II	Dec. 11	Chad Richison Stadium, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
2A-II	Dec. 12	Chad Richison Stadium, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
2A-1	Dec. 11-12, TBA	Chad Richison Stadium, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond

Oregon — OSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 6–7.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
6A championship, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A 9-player, 1A 8-player, 1A 6-player	Nov. 27–28 individual assignments not verified	TBA
6A Columbia Cup, separate consolation competition	Nov. 20-21	TBA

Pennsylvania — PIAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 20–21. The WPIAL district tournament begins Nov. 6.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A	Dec. 10–12; individual assignments not verified	Chapman Field, Cumberland Valley High School, Mechanicsburg

Rhode Island — RIIL

Playoffs begin: Nov. 6 quarterfinal weekend.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
State Championship Division (Division 1), Division 2, Division 3, Division 4	Nov. 20–22; individual assignments not verified	Cranston Stadium, Cranston

South Carolina — SCHSL

Playoffs begin: Nov. 6.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
1A Division II, 2A, 4A	Dec. 4	TBA
1A Division I, 3A, 4A	Dec. 5	TBA

South Dakota — SDHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 22 in 11B, 9AA, 9A and 9B; Oct. 29 in 11AAA, 11AA and 11A.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
9B, 9A, 9AA	Nov. 12	DakotaDome, University of South Dakota, Vermillion
11B, 11A, 11AA	Nov. 13	DakotaDome, University of South Dakota, Vermillion
11AAA	Nov. 14	DakotaDome, University of South Dakota, Vermillion

Tennessee — TSSAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 6 in Divisions I and II.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
Division II A, AA, AAA	Dec. 3	Finley Stadium, Chattanooga
Division I 1A, 3A, 5A	Dec. 4	Finley Stadium, Chattanooga
Division I 2A, 4A, 6A	Dec. 5	Finley Stadium, Chattanooga

Texas — UIL

Playoffs begin: Nov. 12–14, bi-district round.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
1A 6-man Division II, 1A 6-man Division I, 2A Division II	Dec. 16	AT&T Stadium, Arlington
3A Division II, 2A Division I, 3A Division I	Dec. 17	AT&T Stadium, Arlington
5A Division II, 4A Division II, 6A Division II	Dec. 18	AT&T Stadium, Arlington
5A Division I, 4A Division I, 6A Division I	Dec. 19	AT&T Stadium, Arlington

Utah — UHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 23 in eight-player, 1A, 2A and 3A; Oct. 30 in 4A, 5A and 6A.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
8-player, 1A, 2A, 3A	Nov. 14	Eccles Coliseum, Southern Utah University, Cedar City
4A, 5A, 6A	Nov. 20	Rice-Eccles Stadium, University of Utah, Salt Lake City

Vermont — VPA

Playoffs begin: 2026 opening date not verified.

Classification	Championship Date
Division I	Nov. 14	TBA
Division II	Nov. 14	TBA
Division III	Nov. 14	TBA

Virginia — VHSL

Playoffs begin: Nov. 14 regional-quarterfinal calendar date; individual games may have separate assignments.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
Classes 3, 4	Dec. 11	Salem City Stadium, Salem
Classes 1, 2	Dec. 12	Salem City Stadium, Salem
Classes 5, 6	Dec. 12	Bridgeforth Stadium, James Madison University, HarrisonburgCan y

Washington — WIAA

Playoffs begin: Nov. 13–14 state first round; district qualifiers include Nov. 6–7 games.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
1B, 1A, 3A	Dec. 4	Husky Stadium, University of Washington, Seattle
2B, 2A, 4A	Dec. 5	Husky Stadium, University of Washington, Seattle

West Virginia — WVSSAC

Playoffs begin: Nov. 13–14.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
AAA, AAAA	Dec. 4	University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field, Charleston
A, AA	Dec. 5	University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field, Charleston

Wisconsin — WIAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 15–17 in eight-player; Oct. 23–24 in eleven-player.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
8-player	Nov. 14	South Wood County Stadium, Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School, Wisconsin Rapids
11-player Divisions 7, 6, 5, 4	Nov. 19	Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin, Madison
11-player Divisions 3, 2, 1	Nov. 20	Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Wyoming — WHSAA

Playoffs begin: Oct. 30.

Classification	Championship Date	Championship Location
2A, 3A	Nov. 13	War Memorial Stadium, University of Wyoming, Laramie
1A six-man, 1A nine-man, 4A	Nov. 14	War Memorial Stadium, University of Wyoming, Laramie

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