High school football playoffs 2026: Start dates for all 50 states - USA Today

High school football rushes into postseason mode in 2026, with a few states already kicking off the playoff schedule while others prepare for opening rounds.

It's one of the—if not the—best times in the football season: championship journeys begin, others end, Cinderella stories take shape amid headline-grabbing upsets, and local stars become legendary heroes of the gridiron.

The stage is set for national recognition, too, as the Super 15 regional teams in the West, East, Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest vie for a spot in the national Super 25 rankings—and a chance to earn the national championship crown.

Here are the high school football playoff start dates in each state, plus how to watch games live.

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