The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has voted to roll out an open division playoff structure for football and ten additional sports beginning with the 2026 season. This move marks a significant shift in how the state determines its championship participants.
A New Tournament Model
Under the new format, the top eight teams in the state will qualify for the open division regardless of their classification, ensuring that the most competitive programs meet each other in a true tournament setting. Selection will be based solely on MaxPreps' ranking formula, which aggregates performance metrics into a statewide ranking.
The open format will extend beyond football to include volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse and flag football, creating a unified championship pathway across a wide range of sports. This breadth aims to give coaches clearer head‑to‑head evaluation tools and to provide college recruiters with greater exposure for prospects from smaller programs.
While the open division will operate alongside the FHSAA's traditional tiered championship structure, the organization emphasizes that the two systems are complementary rather than competing. The tiered championships will continue to serve schools that prefer classification‑based competition, preserving a degree of regional balance.
State officials believe the new model will help identify and engage the best in‑state talent, giving lower‑division schools a platform to showcase their athletes on a larger stage. By doing so, the FHSAA hopes to enrich the overall high school sports landscape and provide more equitable opportunities for emerging recruits.