What’s Down the Road: 2026 Florida Class Football Playoff Bracket First-Round Matchups Revealed

Bracket sets opening-round schedule

The FHSAA unveiled the 26-team field Friday, Nov. 6. Ten regional quarterfinals are scheduled for Nov. 13, and six schools move directly to the regional semifinals on Nov. 20.

All seeds are regional. Carol City will not take part after a judge denied its request for an emergency injunction challenging the playoff ban.

Bolles leads its region

Bolles, 7-2, enters the postseason after defeating Buchholz 31-28 in its regular-season finale. Pensacola Catholic is the second seed, followed by Walton and Florida High. If Bolles advances, it would meet the winner of Florida High and Andrew Jackson.

The First Academy path

The First Academy, 7-3, tops a region that also includes Clearwater Central Catholic, Berkeley Prep, Tampa Catholic and Cocoa. Third-seeded Berkeley Prep visits No. 6 Bradford in the opening round. A victory by The First Academy would set up a regional semifinal against either Tampa Catholic or Cocoa.

Byes shape two regions

Cardinal Newman, Saint Andrew’s, Booker T. Washington and Edison start in the regional semifinals. Newman needs two postseason wins to reach the state semifinals; Saint Andrew’s and Booker T. Washington are on the opposite side of the region.

Undefeated Immaculata-La Salle, 9-0, and second-seeded Killian also have first-round byes. La Salle awaits the Westminster Christian–Gulliver Prep winner, while Killian is set to face Ransom Everglades or Somerset Academy (Silver Palms).