The 2026 NCHSAA 5A football playoffs will bring together a competitive mix of North Carolina high school football programs in pursuit of a state championship. The classification includes established programs such as Crest, Hickory, Havelock, Monroe, Rocky Mount and Wilson Hunt.
NC Football News will track the 2026 NCHSAA 5A playoff bracket, including first-round matchups, schedules, scores and results throughout the postseason. The official bracket is scheduled to be released Oct. 31, with first-round games set for Friday, Nov. 6.
Check back for the official East and West brackets, top seeds and opening-round matchups once the playoff field is finalized.
🔄 Last Updated: October 26, 2026 1:18 am
🏈 Explore Other 2026 NCHSAA Brackets
1A | 2A | 3A | 4A | 5A | 6A | 7A | 8A
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🏆 2026 NCHSAA 5A Football Playoff Bracket
MaxPreps interactive bracket will appear here once the 2026 NCHSAA football brackets are finalized on Oct. 31, 2026.
🥇 Defending 5A State Champion: Crest
Crest returned to championship glory in 2025, defeating Wilson Hunt 31-14 at Durham County Memorial Stadium to capture its seventh state football title and first in a decade. The Chargers (13-2) also became the first champions of the NCHSAA’s new 5A classification, completing a remarkable day for Cleveland County football after neighboring Shelby won the 3A championship earlier in the day.
Championship game MVP Ely Hamrick, a Virginia signee, rushed for two touchdowns while directing a Crest offense that amassed 555 total yards. Michael Edwards added 95 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while the Chargers’ defense held Hunt well below its season scoring average.
Looking back: View the complete 2025 NCHSAA 5A playoff bracket, scores and results.
📅 2026 NCHSAA Football Playoff Schedule
- Oct. 30 – Final Friday night of the regular season around the state
- Oct. 31 – NCHSAA playoff brackets finalized and released
- Nov. 6 – First round (higher seeds host)
- Nov. 13 – Second round (higher seeds host)
- Nov. 20 – Third round (higher seeds host)
- Nov. 27 – Fourth round (higher seeds host)
- Dec. 4 – Regional finals (higher seeds host)
- Dec. 10-12 – State championships (neutral sites, TBA)
🏈 Related High School Football Playoff Coverage
NCHSAA Playoff Brackets Center | North Carolina High School Scoreboard | NCISAA Playoffs
