The 2026 NCISAA football playoffs will determine three North Carolina independent school state champions, with postseason competition beginning Friday, Nov. 6 and championship games scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20.
The North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association will crown champions in 11-Man Division I, 11-Man Division II and 8-Man Football. Each division features an eight-team bracket, with playoff pairings determined Saturday, Oct. 31.
NC Football News will track all three NCISAA playoff brackets below, including matchups, schedules, final scores and championship results throughout the postseason.
🔄 Last Updated: October 28, 2026 5:10 pm
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11-Man Division I | 11-Man Division II | 8-Man Football
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2026 NCISAA 11-Man Division I Football Playoff Bracket
Defending champion: Providence Day School
Providence Day enters the postseason as the defending Division I state champion. The Chargers won the 2025 title and have captured four of the past five Division I championships.
The Division I tournament features eight teams competing for the championship, with the higher seed hosting each round, including the Nov. 20 title game.
2026 bracket: Pairings will be announced following the Oct. 31 seeding meeting.
2026 NCISAA 11-Man Division II Football Playoff Bracket
Defending champion: High Point Christian Academy
High Point Christian Academy is the defending Division II state champion after capturing the 2025 title.
Eight teams will qualify for the Division II playoffs. Higher-seeded teams will host all three rounds, including the state championship game Nov. 20.
2026 bracket: Pairings will be announced following the Oct. 31 seeding meeting.
2026 NCISAA 8-Man Football Playoff Bracket
Defending champion: Arendell Parrott Academy
Arendell Parrott Academy sits as the defending eight-man state champion after winning the 2025 championship.
The eight-team playoff field will compete over three rounds, with the first two rounds hosted by higher-seeded teams. The championship game is scheduled for Nov. 20 at Arendell Parrott Academy.
2026 bracket: Pairings will be announced following the Oct. 31 seeding meeting.
More North Carolina high school football coverage
- NC High School Football Scoreboard – Find the latest scores, schedules and results from games across North Carolina.
- NC Football News Fabulous 15 Rankings – See our latest statewide Fabulous 15 rankings and the teams making a push toward the postseason.
- 2025 NCISAA Rewind: Revisit the 2025 playoffs in the NCISAA divisions
- NCHSAA Football Playoff Brackets – Find links to brackets and game information from Class 1A-8A.
