- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,151,546
- Reaction score
- 59
FHSAA approved open division playoffs for football and 10 other sports beginning in 2026, according to MaxPreps, in a measure that passed with a unanimous 10-0 vote.
For football, the open format will include the top eight teams in the state regardless of classification. MaxPreps' ranking formula will be the sole basis upon which teams are selected.
The Sunshine State becomes one of the few regions to implement a true tournament structure that seeks to pit the most elite teams against each other. A traditionally tiered championship structure will remain in place alongside the open division concept.
Other sports that will incorporate the open format include volleyball, boys' and girls' basketball, boys' and girls' soccer, baseball, softball, boys' and girls' lacrosse, and flag football.
So, what does this mean for Florida football?
The open format can provide a better evaluation tool for coaches, as scouts will see more head-to-head matchups against the state's most highly ranked prospects. Exposure is another benefit for both players and college programs — the system offers a better opportunity for recruits from lower-division schools to showcase their talent on a bigger stage.
With in-state prospects now more visible, Florida stands to benefit most through its aggressiveness in identifying and engaging the best the state has to offer.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida approves open division playoffs for football beginning 2026
Continue reading...
For football, the open format will include the top eight teams in the state regardless of classification. MaxPreps' ranking formula will be the sole basis upon which teams are selected.
The Sunshine State becomes one of the few regions to implement a true tournament structure that seeks to pit the most elite teams against each other. A traditionally tiered championship structure will remain in place alongside the open division concept.
Other sports that will incorporate the open format include volleyball, boys' and girls' basketball, boys' and girls' soccer, baseball, softball, boys' and girls' lacrosse, and flag football.
So, what does this mean for Florida football?
The open format can provide a better evaluation tool for coaches, as scouts will see more head-to-head matchups against the state's most highly ranked prospects. Exposure is another benefit for both players and college programs — the system offers a better opportunity for recruits from lower-division schools to showcase their talent on a bigger stage.
With in-state prospects now more visible, Florida stands to benefit most through its aggressiveness in identifying and engaging the best the state has to offer.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida approves open division playoffs for football beginning 2026
Continue reading...
