The 2026 diocesan high school football season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with ten programs vying for the coveted state championship. Among them, Columbus Bishop Watterson stands out not only for its storied past but also for the challenge of moving up to Division II under the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s realignment.
Watterson’s Returning Stars
The Eagles, who have posted a 30‑game winning streak and two consecutive Division III titles, are now eyeing a third straight championship despite the jump in classification. Coach Brian Kennedy, who has guided the team for several seasons, says the roster is loaded with returning starters on both sides of the ball, even though the quarterback position remains a question mark.
Among those starters is linebacker Michael Boyle, a three‑time state champion who will soon trade the gridiron for the mat in Slovakia, where he will compete in the 2026 World Under‑20 Wrestling Championships while attending Ohio State on a wrestling scholarship.
Watterson’s preseason rankings reflect the high expectations: No. 2 in Ohio and No. 6 in the Midwest according to USA Today’s poll, placing the Eagles among the top tier of teams to watch.
A New Face in the CCL
St. Francis DeSales enters the conversation with a dynamic quarterback of its own. RJ Day shattered school records in 2025, throwing for 5,714 yards and 54 touchdowns, and his commitment to Northwestern University has added a layer of intrigue — he is the son of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day.
Day’s performance has put the DeSales program back in the spotlight, and his connection to a major college coach has generated buzz among recruiters and fans alike.
Other Teams and Coaches to Watch
Columbus Bishop Hartley, after a 5‑5 finish in 2025, is looking to rebound under coach Matt Melle and return to the Division III playoffs. Meanwhile, Columbus St. Charles, another CCL member, posted a 3‑7 record last season but showed improvement in close games, led by returning players Michael Zarick and Patrick Malouf.
Columbus Bishop Ready brings back 17 seniors, including standouts Kingston Norris, Luke Kamerer and Markel Small, hoping to translate that experience into a deeper run in Division IV playoffs.
Lancaster Fisher Catholic finished the previous season at 8‑2 and will rely on All‑Ohio selections Nick Harris and Sam Tencza, while Portsmouth Notre Dame, under new head coach Steve Irwin, aims to sustain its tradition of excellence with a young roster anchored by senior Chris Piccalo.
Newark Catholic, guided by coach Tom Phillips, has focused on developing versatile players across multiple positions, despite recent struggles, and Tuscarawas Central Catholic, coached by Giovanni Ionno, has grown from a small squad into a competitive force with a core of returning seniors and juniors.
Looking Ahead
As the season approaches, the blend of seasoned leaders, promising underclassmen and new coaching directions promises to keep the competition fierce. Whether it is the Eagles’ pursuit of a three‑peat, the emergence of RJ Day, or the strategic adjustments by coaches across the board, the 2026 campaign is poised to deliver memorable moments for players, families and the broader Ohio football community.