Ever since the Ohio High School Athletic Association expanded to seven divisions for football in 2013, Greater Cincinnati schools have won three state championships in Divisions III to VII.
Clinton-Massie won in Division IV in 2013 and 2021 and Wyoming took the Division IV in 2018. Are any of Cincinnati's small school programs ready to win again in 2026?
Entering the 2026 season, here are The Enquirer's choices for the top 10 teams in Divisions III, IV, V, VI and VII.
1. Indian Hill Braves
Fresh off their first state semifinal appearance, the Braves will still be one of the top small schools in Cincinnati, even as they move to DIII. That's thanks to their returners, which include Devlan Daniel, Jacob
Alexander, Dylan Hartman, Topher Wachtel, Joey Jernigan and Luke Mitchell. The first half of the schedule will be a challenge as the team travels to Beechwood, then hosts Wyoming and Taylor. That Week 4 home game against the Cowboys could decide who wins the Cincinnati Hills League. With four state championships and over 30 years of experience, John Rodenberg will have Indian Hill ready to face any challenge.
2. Clinton-Massie Falcons
The Falcons are annually atop the Southern Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference in rushing, averaging about 4,000 yards per season since 2017. Brady Gray and Peyton Warren, who combined for over 1,000 yards in 2025, return to lead the attack for first-year head coach Kevin Scholz. The defense will also give opponents nightmares as senior Ty Martin looks to replicate his 11.5 sacks from last year. Carson Long also returns as the top defensive back. Clinton Massie has won the SBAAC-American outright in seven of the last eight seasons.
3. Taft Senators
Robert Rachel brings his proven track record from Gamble Montessori back to his alma mater. Year one may be an uphill climb as the Senators lost head coach Tyler Williams, 13 talented seniors, and several other high-level players to transfer. While the defense may not go on a seven-game shutout streak or allow 5.5 points per game, it will be led by Kris Scott, who is a high-major DI prospect. The schedule pulls no punches with games at Kirtland, Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Cincinnati Hill Christian Academy. The Senators close the season by hosting Withrow.
4. McNicholas Rockets
Last year was highlighted by a rivalry win over Turpin and the Rockets’ first win over Badin since 2017, also the last time they won the Greater Catholic League-Coed. McNick scored six touchdowns on defense and returns last year, and should put up a similar number to the 13 points it allowed in 2025. Quarterback Evan Sandfoss, running back Joseph Reuss, tight end Connor Powderly, linebacker Sam Whitcomb and lineman Josh Charron highlight the returners.
5. Wyoming Cowboys
With quarterback David Dupee, running back/ linebacker Tyler Johnson-Huff, receiver Brylan Miltenberger and linebacker Charlie Walker all returning, the Cowboys should continue their run as one of the most consistent small schools in Southwest Ohio. Their postseason loss to Valley View is more than enough motivation for this season, and they will certainly hope to win multiple playoff games for the first time since 2023.
6. North College Hill Trojans
Former Taft head coach Tyler Williams is at North College Hill for his first year, one season after the Trojans went 8-3 and made the postseason. Quarterback Ar’Neil Kahr is back and the team has some new weapons to use after a number of transfers into the program, including All-Ohio picks Jojo Pouncy and Eddie Holloway.
7. CHCA Eagles
The Eagles were the only Miami Valley Conference team to win a postseason game last year as they went 10-2. An All-Ohio linebacker returns in Owen Clary and some top rushers return, helpful after the graduation of quarterback Griffin Ridner Richard.
8. Cincinnati Country Day Nighthawks
The Nighthawks are in their first season under head coach Jim Collins. He inherits a team that went 9-2 last season and brings back starting quarterback Levi Guttmann as well as leading receiver Thomas Huckleby and defensive back Leon Hall.
9. Goshen Warriors
Goshen went 7-4 last season and brings back nearly all of its production on the offensive side of the ball, including Gage Croley, who ran for over 2,000 yards and had 24 touchdowns. He was the league’s player of the year on offense. The Warriors also return the defensive winner in Cam Telinda.
10. St. Bernard-Elmwood Place Titans
Quarterback Lucas Cannady and running back Dameko Taylor are back for the Titans after a 9-2 season a year ago. They won the Miami Valley Conference-White last year without allowing a point.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 10 Cincinnati high school football teams in Divisions III-VII
