Father Ryan football will play an independent schedule for the next two seasons, leaving Division II-AAA and the TSSAA playoffs.
In an email obtained by The Tennessean, Father Ryan president Paul Davis reached out to parents on Sept. 27 to announce the school's intention to compete on an independent, non-region football schedule for the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 seasons.
"We value our relationship with TSSAA, and we support its foundational mission and the objectives in its bylaws to ensure that high school athletics remain subordinate to the academic mission, protect students from exploitation, and provide fair competition," Davis said in the email to parents.
2 years | Exclusive
"We have become increasingly concerned that a growing number of football programs across the state are not aligned with our view of the TSSAA’s mission as it relates to the prioritization of the student-athlete. "By changing to an independent, non-region schedule, we can continue to play competitive teams, including long-standing rivals, and ensure our opponents are aligned with our view of the TSSAA mission."
Davis added that Father Ryan is aware of several other schools that have been considering an independent schedule and will know more when the reclassification period ends this week. The reclassification deadline is Oct. 2.
Father Ryan is the second DII-AAA football program to depart from the classification for the 2027-2029 cycle. Christ Presbyterian Academy announced its move to an independent, non-region schedule for the next two seasons on Sept. 22.
"Athletics, including football, are an important part of the Father Ryan experience," Davis said. "We believe in the principle of the student-athlete and in the opportunity competition provides for young people to develop leadership, teamwork, humility, resilience, and character. Sports are one of the many ways we challenge our students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential."
The Irish are 3-3 this season and 1-1 in DII-AAA West competition.
Reach The Tennessean and The Leaf-Chronicle's high school writer, Jack Williams at jackwilliams@theleafchronicle.com and on the X platform @jackgwilliams.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Father Ryan football going independent for next 2 seasons, ineligible for TSSAA playoffs
