The Dispatch’s latest outlook for the 2026 Ohio high school football season paints a picture of fierce competition in central Ohio, where a single team is expected to break the long‑standing dominance of northeast Ohio in Division II and capture a state championship.
State Title Outlook
While Watterson enters the conversation as the favorite, the path to the title will be anything but straightforward, with Division II, Region 7 powerhouses such as Toledo Central Catholic poised to challenge the traditional northeast Ohio stronghold.
Lakewood St. Edward, which has fallen short in two consecutive semifinals against central Ohio opponents, is projected to finally close the gap and advance deeper into the tournament.
In the City League, Walnut Ridge and East will meet in Week 1 in a clash that could determine which program secures the league’s second playoff berth, and both squads are expected to progress to the second round.
Olentangy’s schedule includes a gauntlet of opponents — Upper Arlington, Perrysburg, Orange and Liberty — before a potentially winnable OCC‑Cardinal matchup, setting the stage for a deep playoff run that could surprise many.
The season also promises historic individual milestones, with three local running backs projected to eclipse the 2,000‑yard mark, led by Big Walnut’s Nolan Buirley, who is chasing the milestone for the third straight year.
Among the standout performers, Reinaldo Perez of Columbus Academy and Jack Schuler of Watterson are slated to be Mr. Football finalists, while Buirley himself is also expected to be a finalist after leading his team to a second consecutive state semifinal with 2,226 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns.
Olentangy Liberty will return to the OHSAA state semifinals with six starters on each side of the ball, anchored by senior quarterback Alex Leonard, who brings veteran poise to the offense.
Bradley, Darby and Davidson are all slated to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2023, with Bradley holding the strongest chance to advance further than any of its counterparts.
Westland, seeking its first ever postseason victory, will rely on a returning core and a new quarterback, Mike Daniels, to turn the tide.
Danville, meanwhile, will make its sixth state semifinal appearance, bolstered by sophomore quarterback Parker Proper and running back Cyren Wallace, who together give the team a potent new‑generation backfield.