COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Wednesday, the Ohio High School Athletic Association unanimously voted to expand the football playoffs from eight schools per region to 12 beginning in the 2021 season.
During the first round of the playoffs, the top four seeds will have a bye, while the No. 12 seed will play at the No. 5 seed, No. 11 at No. 6, No. 10 at No. 7 and No. 9 at No. 8. In the second round, the No. 1 seed will play the winner of the 8 vs. 9 game; the No. 2 seed will play the winner of 6 vs. 11; the No. 3 seed will play the winner of 7 vs. 10 and the No. 4 seed will play the winner of 5 vs. 12.
The changes will increase the number of football playoff qualifiers from 224 to 336, and the higher seeded teams will have the opportunity to host their playoff games during the first and second rounds of the playoffs.
“We still have details to work out regarding the format and specific season dates, but this vote by the Board gives us the green light to finalize those details for 2021,” said Beau Rugg, Senior Director of Officiating and Sport Management for the OHSAA and the Association’s football administrator. “We are thankful for the Board’s support on this proposal, which will bring all the great things of playoff football to 112 additional schools and communities.”
The football finals in 2021 are also expected to end during the same weekend as previously scheduled (Dec. 2-5), while schools are still required to play 10 regular-season games.
