(10-28-25) The regular season is over. Half of the teams are packing up their football equipment, breaking out the basketballs and wrestling mats for winter. 112 teams are going to take a much deserved bye week as the OHSAA introduced byes for the first time ever. Another 224 teams are back on the practice field, getting ready for their first round contests.

With the regular season behind us, here’s how each division stacks up heading into the postseason and who’s most likely to be practicing on Thanksgiving weekend.

Division I – 3-loss Moeller the Favorite?

Keeping Moeller at the top of Division I is the most questionable aspect of these end-of-season ratings. The Crusaders’ three losses are all forgivable. Two came against undefeated opponents: Mt. Carmel (Illinois) and Elder, and the other to No. 2 St. Edward. But they are still losses. Any team in the top 5 has a strong claim to be the playoff favorite, including undefeated Olentangy Orange and Mentor.

Division II – Highland Finishes On Top

The top spot in Division II has been passed around like a hot potato all season long The 9-0 Hornets end the regular season at No. 1. But calling them the favorite is tricky. There are 6.. 7.. teams in the deepest division in the state. Each region has at least one co-favorite. By the time the regional finals roll around, this division will showcase some excellent football.

Division III – Watterson In A League Of Their Own

Usually, we must wait for the smaller divisions to talk about a Goliath in a sea full of Davids. However, Watterson is the best team in the state and would be favored in any division. The Eagles have seen a running clock every game since Week 2, when they faced Middletown (DE), the best program in their state. At least Wapak vs Toledo Central Catholic and London vs Tippecanoe will make great regional showdowns.

Division IV – Shelby, Then A Logjam

Shelby isn’t quite as dominant as Watterson, but the Whippets haven’t been challenged since Week 4. If an upset happens, Division IV becomes wide-open chaos. Taft, Glenville, and Indian Valley all have a case. But don’t sleep on Perkins, Indian Hill, and West Branch.

Division V – Without Ironton, It’s A Two-Horse Race

The OHSAA’s postseason ban Ironton — handed down after an eligibility violation — sent shockwaves through the state. Throughout the season, Ironton was the Division V favorite with Liberty Center and Liberty-Benton hot on their heels. Now, the state championship goes through Region 18. As for Region 19 where Ironton was the clear favorite, it’s anybody’s guess. Barnesville, Wheelersburg, and Africentric are co-favorites. And Africentric gets the advantage of not having to face either team until the regional final.

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Division VI – Kirtland vs. The MAC

It is like high school football’s version of Ohio State vs. the SEC. Kirtland has been the best small school program outside of western Ohio for a decade and it’s not even a debate. Whether it’s Anna, Coldwater, or Marion Local, they always find a way to battle a MAC team in the playoffs. This year will be no different. The edge goes to Kirtland in 2025, but Fort Frye and Centerburg both have the balance and line play to make a deep run.

Division VII – Marion Local Eyes 79

Marion Local eyes its 79th straight win (currently at 74) and another state title. Despite the close calls and scares throughout the season, the Flyers are the odds-on favorite to win Division VII. The Redskins of St. Henry will likely get a rematch in the regional final, but before and after that, expect plenty of running clocks. But before and after that, expect a lot of running clocks. If you’re looking for a dark horse, Columbus Grove is miles better than their 7-3 record suggests, just ask Lima Central Catholic and Bluffton.

With seven divisions and 336 playoff teams, the road to Canton runs through every corner of Ohio. The favorites are clear. But history tells us there’s always room for chaos in November.