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Every 2026 Michigan high school football team competing in new division
TL;DR
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has finalized the divisions for the 2026 high school football season. Notably, reigning champions Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Jackson Lumen Christi will remain in their respective divisions.
Key points
- MHSAA announced new divisions for 2026 high school football season
- Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Jackson Lumen Christi are reigning champions
- Teams can opt up for winter and spring sports until specified deadlines
- Traverse City St. Francis is also opting up to Division 6
Mentioned in this story
Michigan High School Athletic Association
Orchard Lake St. Mary'sJackson Lumen ChristiTraverse City St. Francis
Every 2026 Michigan high school football team competing in new division
The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced the schools changing divisions for the 2026 high school football season in April.
The divisions are now finalized after teams submitted proposals to play in higher divisions, or opt-up, by the May 1 deadline for fall sports. Member schools have until Aug. 15 to opt up for winter sports and until Oct. 15 to opt up for spring sports.
Two teams, both reigning state champions, will opt up to a higher division. Two-time defending Division 2 champion Orchard Lake St. Mary's will be in D-2 once again, and four-time reigning state champion Jackson Lumen Christi will remain in D-6, where it has won its past two titles. Traverse City St. Francis is also opting up to D-6.
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All opt-ups are for a minimum of two years.
There will be 17 co-op teams, which combine athletes from two or more schools to provide opportunities for kids at schools that do not offer football.
How many Michigan high school football teams are there?
There are 499 schools set to participate in the 2026 football season.
- 62 teams in Division 1
- 61 in Division 2
- 63 in Division 3
- 61 in Division 4
- 63 in Division 5
- 64 in Division 6
Q&A
Which Michigan high school football teams are competing in new divisions for 2026?
The finalized divisions include teams like Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Jackson Lumen Christi, among others.
What is the deadline for Michigan high schools to opt up for sports divisions?
The deadline for fall sports was May 1, while schools can opt up for winter sports until August 15 and for spring sports until October 15.
How many state champions are opting up in Michigan high school football for 2026?
Two reigning state champions, Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Jackson Lumen Christi, are opting up in their respective divisions.
What divisions will Orchard Lake St. Mary's and Jackson Lumen Christi compete in for the 2026 season?
Orchard Lake St. Mary's will remain in Division 2, while Jackson Lumen Christi will stay in Division 6.
