North Dakota Releases Final 2026 Football Polls
The state's top teams head into the playoffs this week after securing high rankings in the final AP polls.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football
The North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters & Sportswriters Association has released the final 11A and 9-man football polls for the 2026 season. Undefeated teams lead the rankings as the state prepares for the opening round of playoff competition.
Why it matters
These final rankings determine the seeding and home-field advantage for the upcoming state playoffs. The polls reflect the dominant performances of teams like New Rockford-Sheyenne/Maddock, which enters the postseason riding a long winning streak.
New Rockford-Sheyenne/Maddock enters the postseason with an active 34-game winning streak and two consecutive state championships. Multiple programs, including Ellendale/Edgeley/Kulm and LaMoure-Litchville Marion, completed their regular seasons with perfect 9-0 records.
The players
North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters & Sportswriters Association
This organization is responsible for compiling and releasing official state rankings for high school athletic programs.
New Rockford-Sheyenne/Maddock
This football program has achieved national-level consistency with two consecutive state titles and a 34-game winning streak.
The details
The rankings set the stage for crucial opening matchups this Saturday. Top-ranked squads will look to leverage their regular-season success as they face off against opponents in the first round of the state bracket.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters & Sportswriters Association released the final 2026 11A and 9-man football polls.
October 24, 2026: Playoff games are scheduled to take place throughout the state.
Season Trajectory
These final rankings signal the start of the knockout phase for the North Dakota state 9-man football championship. The results dictate the road to the title, forcing top seeds to maintain their momentum while underdogs look to disrupt the established hierarchy.
Ellendale/Edgeley/Kulm is set to host Grafton, while New Rockford-Sheyenne/Maddock faces Hatton/Northwood in their respective openers. LaMoure-Litchville Marion will also take the field against Four Winds as the playoff race officially begins.
The takeaway
Fans should monitor the first-round playoff results this Saturday to see if undefeated teams can maintain their momentum against tournament challengers. Staying updated on these results is key to understanding the remaining path to the state championship.
What happens next
Playoff games are scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, marking the beginning of the postseason bracket.
Further reading
For more on the state tournament bracket, visit North Dakota Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Dakota.
