Indiana’s high school football landscape is undergoing a modest but noticeable transformation as a handful of programs opt for eight‑man competition in the 2026 season, a move driven by dwindling participant numbers. Greenwood Christian and South Newton will field eight‑man teams this year, with both schools pledging to revert to the traditional 11‑man format in 2027 once roster sizes rebound.
Eight‑Man Experiment in Indiana
Among the affected schools, Wabash Community has crafted a hybrid schedule that blends eight‑man and 11‑man contests, a strategy designed to give younger players meaningful snap counts while preserving competitive balance.
The coaching carousel features two of the state’s most seasoned winners. Larry “Bud” Wright, who tops the all‑time win list in Indiana with 464 victories, returns to lead Southwood, while Mike Kirschner, a former standout at Mount Vernon‑Fortville, resumes his role at that program after a successful stint elsewhere.
Winning streaks remain a point of pride for several squads. New Palestine currently sits atop the leaderboard with a 28‑game run, followed by Brownsburg at 19 and Cascade at 15 consecutive victories, underscoring the depth of tradition in several communities.
Conversely, the longest droughts belong to Bellmont, which has endured a 42‑game losing streak, and Frankfort, whose 28‑game slide highlights the challenges some programs face in a competitive environment.