Charlotte, North Carolina, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Starting in the fall, North Carolina high school football will shift from four classifications to eight. This change aims to enhance competitive balance and improve team ranking accuracy. Each classification will now feature eight teams, moving from the previous ten-team format. This initiative by the NCHSAA will also include updated statewide rankings and comprehensive guides for the upcoming season, with anticipation building among players and fans alike as preparations progress toward the new season.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Starting in the fall of 2025, North Carolina high school football will undergo significant changes, expanding from four classifications to eight. This new structure aims to enhance competition and provide a more accurate ranking system for teams across the state. Each classification will feature eight teams, moving away from the previous format of ten teams in four classes. The Charlotte Observer and News & Observer of Raleigh will update their statewide rankings to reflect this change.
The eight new classifications will be designated as CLASS 8A, CLASS 7A, CLASS 6A, CLASS 5A, CLASS 4A, CLASS 3A, CLASS 2A, and CLASS 1A. These classifications are part of a broader initiative by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) to create a more centralized framework for the sport. As part of this initiative, a comprehensive guide for the 2025 season will also be released, containing offseason content and conference previews available from June through August.
In preparation for the new season, a randomizer will determine the order in which previews for the 58 new NCHSAA football conferences will be released. Coaches will also receive invitations to participate in preseason surveys and interviews, set to be distributed a couple of weeks before their league’s preview goes live. With only three weeks remaining until the season begins, preparations are in full swing.
The preseason poll by SI that assesses the performance of teams based on previous season records is already underway. Among the notable players returning for this season are Faizon Brandon, quarterback for the Whirlies, who last year led his team to a perfect 16-0 record as 4A State Champions. Other key players to watch include Thomas Davis and Brody Anson from a team that finished the previous season with a commendable 13-1 record. Additionally, teams that reached the 4A state championship will also feature new quarterback prospects such as A.J. Roberts and Gavin Waddell.
Bryce Baker, a quarterback signed to UNC, is expected to lead a team that ended last season with a 12-2 record. The performance of Jayson Franklin, who accrued over 1,000 rushing yards, will also be critical for his team, which matched the same record last season. The NCISAA 4A state champions include standout talents such as quarterback Gavin Owens, wide receiver Joshua Buckhalter, and free safety Zeke Marshall.
Coaching staffs and fans are optimistic as other notable athletes are set to play key roles this upcoming season. This includes Jamouri Nichols, Jaquez Crawford, Zaid Lott, who is a Syracuse commit, and dual-threat performer Aiden Smalls, all of whom are expected to make significant contributions to their respective teams.
The expansion of classifications not only aims to provide a more equitable competitive landscape but also enhances the fan experience by offering a clearer view of team standings and rankings throughout the season. As the 2025 high school football season approaches, the anticipation among players, coaches, and fans is palpable, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in North Carolina football.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes are being made to high school football classifications in North Carolina?
How will this change affect team rankings?
What notable players are returning for the upcoming football season?
Key Features of the Changes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Classifications | Expanded to 8 from 4 |
| Teams in Each Classification | 8 teams per class instead of 10 |
| New Class Names | CLASS 8A, CLASS 7A, CLASS 6A, CLASS 5A, CLASS 4A, CLASS 3A, CLASS 2A, CLASS 1A |
| Statewide Rankings Provider | Charlotte Observer and News & Observer |
| Preseason Poll Initiation | SI is running the preseason analysis |
| Coaching Previews | Surveys and interviews sent weeks before previews |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: High School Football News
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- On3: South Carolina High School Football Games
- Google Search: High School Football
- High School Football America: National Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- SI: North Carolina High School Football Preseason Rankings
- Google News: NCHSAA Football
- MSN: Top Games of the 2025 NC High School Football Season
- Google Scholar: High School Football North Carolina
Author: HERE Charlotte
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