The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has unveiled significant modifications to its high school football playoff system, particularly impacting Classes 2A and 3A. These divisions will now adopt an expanded 24-team playoff format, aligning with the established structure of the 4A and 5A classifications. This strategic change is set to provide more teams with an opportunity to compete for state titles, fostering greater engagement and competitive depth across the state's high school football landscape.
Colorado High School Football Playoff Restructuring Takes Effect
Effective for the 2026 season, the Colorado High School Activities Association has rolled out an expanded playoff format for its high school football Class 2A and 3A divisions. This update means that these classifications will now feature a 24-team bracket, a notable increase from the previous 16-team structure, bringing them in line with the established postseason models for Classes 4A and 5A. This significant change allows the top eight seeds in both 2A and 3A to enjoy a first-round bye, setting the stage for matchups against the winners of the initial games played by seeds ranked 9 through 24.
For Class 3A, this adjustment also means a revised regular season schedule. Previously, its season concluded a week later to synchronize its championship dates with the higher classifications. Now, with the expanded bracket, the regular season will finish earlier, streamlining the overall playoff timeline. This shift is already demonstrating its impact, particularly for teams in Northern Colorado. Programs like Berthoud (seeded 13th), Windsor (seeded 16th), and Silver Creek (seeded 18th), which might have been on the bubble under the old format, are now in a more secure position to qualify for the 24-team field, even with a couple of regular-season games remaining.
In Class 2A, the regular season will also conclude a week earlier to accommodate the extended playoff schedule, ensuring its championship game can still be played in late November alongside Class 1A and 8/6-man football. While the bracket size and format mirror the upper classes, 2A maintains unique hosting rules for playoff contests. Unlike 3A through 5A, where the higher seed consistently hosts until the state championship, Class 2A stipulates that while the higher seed hosts its first game, subsequent quarterfinal hosts are determined by the team with fewer home games during the playoffs. If home game counts are equal, the higher-seeded team will host. However, the higher seed is guaranteed to host during the semifinal round.
The CHSAA football state championship games are scheduled across two distinct weekends. The 6/8-man and 1A/2A state title games will take place on November 27th and 28th at CSU-Pueblo's ThunderBowl. Specifically, the 6-man championship is set for 1:30 p.m. on November 27th, followed by the 8-man championship at 5 p.m. On November 28th, the 1A championship will kick off at 1:30 p.m., with the 2A championship concluding the weekend at 5 p.m.
The Class 3A, 4A, and 5A state title games are slated for December 5th at CSU's Canvas Stadium. The 3A championship will commence at 10 a.m., the 4A championship at 1:30 p.m., and the 5A championship will wrap up the season at 5 p.m.
This comprehensive playoff expansion and realignment represent a pivotal moment for Colorado high school football, promising more competitive opportunities and a more dynamic postseason for athletes and fans alike. The adjustments aim to enhance fairness and broaden participation, ultimately elevating the overall experience of high school football in the state.
This comprehensive overhaul of the high school football playoff system in Colorado offers several compelling insights. Firstly, it underscores a clear commitment by the CHSAA to expand opportunities for student-athletes, recognizing that a larger playoff field can motivate more teams throughout the season. This move could lead to more competitive regular seasons as teams vie for those additional playoff berths. Secondly, the differentiated hosting rules for Class 2A highlight a nuanced approach to managing logistical challenges while still prioritizing fairness, especially for smaller communities that might have fewer resources for hosting multiple home playoff games. Lastly, the strategic scheduling of championship games across different weekends and venues reflects an effort to maximize visibility and celebrate the achievements of all classifications, ensuring each final receives adequate attention. Overall, these changes suggest a forward-thinking vision for the development and promotion of high school football within the state.