The 2026 NCHSAA 7A football playoffs could feature one of the most competitive championship races in North Carolina, with a collection of established powers and highly ranked programs from across the state. The classification includes defending champion Grimsley, along with Weddington, Cardinal Gibbons, Richmond Senior, Garner, Reagan, Independence and Hillside.
NC Football News will track the 2026 NCHSAA 7A 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 12:46 am
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🏆 2026 NCHSAA 7A Football Playoff Bracket
MaxPreps interactive bracket will appear here once the 2026 NCHSAA football brackets are finalized on Oct. 31, 2026.
🥇 Defending 7A State Champion: Grimsley
Grimsley continued its championship run in 2025, defeating Clayton 24-14 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill to capture the inaugural NCHSAA 7A football title. The Whirlies, who also won the final 4A championship under the previous classification system in 2024, extended their winning streak to 31 games and claimed their third state championship since the 2020 season.
Championship game MVP Faizon Brandon, a Tennessee signee, threw a touchdown pass and rushed for another score, while Maki Yon returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown in the second half. Grimsley’s defense forced three third-quarter turnovers to turn back a Clayton team making its first championship appearance in nearly four decades.
Looking back: View the complete 2025 NCHSAA 7A 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
