The 2026 North Carolina high school football season is approaching, with teams across the state preparing for summer workouts, preseason camp and another full slate of fall action.
Here’s a complete look at the key dates from the 2026 season calendar, including NCHSAA regular-season milestones, playoff rounds and the NCISAA championship schedule.
🔗 Quick Links to NC High School Football Coverage
- North Carolina High School Football Scoreboard Hub
- NCHSAA Conference Realignment (2025-29)
- List of NCHSAA State Football Champions by Year
🟡 NCHSAA Football Key Dates (2026 Season)
Spring & Summer Calendar
- April 15 – Spring Ball Begins
- June 28 – July 5 — Dead Period
- July 20 – July 26 — Dead Period
- July 29 –First Practice
- Aug. 7 – First Scrimmage
Regular Season Schedule
- Aug. 21 – Week 1
- Aug. 28 – Week 2
- Sept. 4 – Week 3
- Sept. 11 – Week 4
- Sept. 18 – Week 5
- Sept. 25 – Week 6
- Oct. 2 – Week 7
- Oct. 9 – Week 8
- Oct. 16 – Week 9
- Oct. 23 – Week 10
- Oct. 30 – Week 11
Playoff Schedule
- TBD – Playoff Seeding
- Nov. 6 – First Round
- Nov. 13 – Second Round
- Nov. 20 – Third Round
- Nov. 27 – Fourth Round
- Dec. 4 – Regional Finals
- Dec. 10-12 – 1A-8A State Championships
🟡 NCISAA Football Key Dates (2026 Season)
Full regular-season schedules for NCISAA programs vary by school, but the postseason calendar is set for November.
Postseason Schedule
Oct. 31
- Football 8-Man Seeding Meeting
- Football 11-Man Seeding Meeting (Div. I & II)
Nov. 6
- 8-Man First Round
- 11-Man First Round (Division I & II)
Nov. 13
- 8-Man Semifinals
- 11-Man Semifinals (Division I & II)
Nov. 20
- 8-Man Championship
- 11-Man Championships (Division I & II)
🟣 Reigning State Champions
2025 NCHSAA Championship Results
- 8A: Hough 21, Millbrook 0
- 7A: Grimsley 24, Clayton 14
- 6A: Watauga 47, Middle Creek 25
- 5A: Crest 31, Hunt 14
- 4A: Reidsville 50, Brevard 20
- 3A: Shelby 84, Kinston 41
- 2A: Tarboro 22, Murphy 0
- 1A: Wilson Prep 9, Robbinsville 8
2025 NCISAA Championship Results
- 11-Man Division I: Providence Day 42, Charlotte Christian 6
- 11-Man Division II: High Point Christian 50, Asheville School 13
- 8-Man: Arendell Parrott 30, Cary Christian 21
