The 2026 high school football season in central Ohio is taking shape as schools have begun publishing their week‑by‑week schedules, offering fans a glimpse of the matchups that will define the opening months of play.
Opening Weeks Set the Stage
The first round of games kicks off on Thursday, August 20, with Fairbanks hosting North Robinson Colonel Crawford and Harvest Prep traveling to face Versailles. A week later, on Friday, August 28, the slate expands to include Beechcroft versus Independence and Berne Union taking on Chillicothe Huntington, setting an early tone for the competition.
September brings a series of Friday night contests that draw large crowds. On September 4, Africentric meets Northland and Avon squares off against Upper Arlington, while September 10 sees Grandview Heights host Bexley and Granville entertain Columbus Academy.
Mid‑Season Matchups
Week 5, beginning September 18, features Beechcroft versus Linden‑McKinley and Centennial taking on Mifflin, while Week 6, starting September 24, pairs Whetstone with East and continues with a host of other regional clashes on the 25th.
The action wraps up the early portion of the schedule on Friday, October 2, when East meets Beechcroft again and Eastmoor Academy faces Walnut Ridge, providing a final showcase before the season moves deeper into the fall.
Flexibility and Expectations
All dates and pairings are subject to adjustment as schools finalize logistics, but the released framework gives coaches, players and fans a concrete roadmap for the campaign. The schedule reflects a blend of traditional rivalries and new contests, promising competitive games across the region.