It may be in the Midwest but when the topic of states with the best high school football is brought up, Ohio is regularly mentioned as one of the best and for good reason.
The state has some of the best schools in the country and produces elite high school talent yearly. This year is no different as some of the nation’s best are currently prepping for the 2026 season.
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When do teams return to action for the 2026 season? Here are all the dates to know:
Heat Acclimatization Period: July 15, 2026
Official First Practice in Pads: August 1, 2026
Date of first games: August 21, 2026
While the early heat acclimatization period in Ohio begins on July 15, from May 13-July 13, coaches are allowed 13-non-padded summer practices where attendance for players is voluntary. During the acclimatization period, each is school is allowed five voluntary contact days to fulfill the state’s mandatory process.
Once players have completed those five days, they are allowed to participate in full practice in pads once those practices begin on August 1. Between August 8 and August 16, every team is allowed to participate in two organized scrimmages against other schools.
Ohio’s 10-week regular season kicks off on Friday, August 21.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ohio high school football 2026 season start dates
