2026 Tennessee High School Football Calendar Unveiled
The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) has released the full schedule for the 2026 football season, outlining a structured progression from summer conditioning to the final state championship games in December.
A mandatory dead period will keep schools closed from June 22 through July 5, after which coaches may resume limited contact under strict safety guidelines.
Heat acclimatization begins on July 20, starting with helmet-only sessions for two days, followed by helmets and shoulder pads for the next three days, before teams can move to fully padded practices on July 27.
Practice Milestones and Scrimmages
Teams must complete at least three padded practices before they are eligible to host scrimmages, which are scheduled to start on July 30.
The regular season kicks off on August 17, with the majority of opening‑week games taking place on August 21, setting the stage for a competitive year across all classifications.
Playoffs for both Division I and Division II schools will commence on November 6, leading into a championship weekend that culminates in Chattanooga.
State Championship Details
The championship games will be held at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga from December 3 through December 5, featuring a staggered schedule that spreads classes across the three days.
Division II will crown its champion on December 3, followed by Classes 1A, 3A and 5A on December 4, and Classes 2A, 4A and 6A on December 5, providing a comprehensive conclusion to the season.