OHSAA Released First Computer Football Ratings

The state athletic association issued rankings as high school football teams reach the season's midpoint.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a high school football player in motion under stadium lights, capturing the intensity of mid-season play. — The Ohio High School Athletic Association has published its first official football computer ratings, establishing early benchmarks for teams as the regular season reaches its midpoint. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should regional high school athletic associations prioritize larger playoff brackets to include more local teams?

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has published its first official computer ratings for the upcoming state football playoffs. These rankings determine which programs are currently on track to compete for postseason titles.

Why it matters

These initial rankings provide a crucial benchmark as the high school football regular season reaches its halfway point. They help clarify the playoff landscape for programs across the state while highlighting teams that have established strong positions for advancement.

Thirty-nine Cincinnati-area teams currently hold playoff-qualifying positions, with 12 of those teams positioned to receive a first-round bye. Under current rules, the top 12 teams in each region qualify, while the top four earn a first-round bye.

The players

Ohio High School Athletic Association

This is the governing body responsible for overseeing and regulating high school sports throughout the state of Ohio.

The details

Teams accrue points for each victory they secure throughout the season as well as for every win earned by their opponents. This mathematical approach determines the official rankings that dictate postseason qualification and byes.

September 22, 2026: OHSAA released the first official computer ratings.

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The Big Picture

The release of these rankings follows the established protocol of the OHSAA football playoff computer rating system. This update marks the first official look at how current team performances translate into postseason standing under the state's established criteria.

Twelve Cincinnati-area teams are currently in position to secure a first-round bye, which effectively reduces the total number of games they must win to reach the regional finals. Qualifying teams must remain in the top 12 of their respective regions to extend their seasons beyond the regular schedule.

The takeaway

Teams should focus on both their own win totals and the success of their schedule opponents to maximize their standing in the computer rankings. Consistency throughout the second half of the season is essential to maintaining or improving these initial postseason positions.