Kentuckyhigh school football is entering its most important stretch of the season, with championship dreams now on the line.
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association playoffs bring together the state's top programs across six classifications, setting the stage for several weeks of postseason football. From established powers with championship pedigrees to unbeaten teams looking to make history, the field is loaded with programs capable of making a run at a state title.
Trinity and Frederick Douglass headline the Class 6A contenders, while Highlands, Boyle County and Paducah Tilghman are among the programs expected to make noise in the smaller classifications. With several undefeated teams entering the postseason, the race for a championship
promises plenty of intrigue.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Kentucky high school football playoffs, including the schedule, how to watch and the top teams and players to follow.
When do Kentucky high school football playoffs start?
The 2026 Kentucky high school football playoffs begin Thursday, Nov. 5, with first-round games across the state's six classifications. The opening round continues through Saturday, Nov. 7, with the higher-seeded teams hosting.
The KHSAA state championship games will be played at Kroger Field on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
How to watch Kentucky high school football playoffs live
Watch Kentucky high school football playoffs live on NFHS Network
The NFHS Network is the official streaming partner for KHSAA postseason broadcasts. A subscription is required to watch games live.
Which Kentucky high school football teams are ranked nationally?
Kentucky has two teams ranked in the USA TODAY Sports Midwest Region Super 15 rankings:
- Trinity (9-1): The Shamrocks finished are No. 2 in the latest Super 15 rankings. Trinity finished the season No. 1 in 6A in the Kentucky High School Football Media Poll, receiving all 16 first-place votes. Trinity is the state's top-ranked team and enters the postseason with championship expectations.
- Christian Academy of Louisville (10-0): Christian Academy of Louisville, headlined by Louisville football commit Ja'Hyde Brown, came in at No. 12 in the latest Super 15 rankings and No. 1 in 3A of the state's media poll.
- Frederick Douglass (10-0): The Broncos are unbeaten and ranked No. 2 in Class 6A behind the Shamrocks in the Kentucky High School Football Media Poll. Frederick Douglass has been one of the state's most consistent programs and has a chance to make a serious championship push.
- Highlands (8-2): The Bluebirds enter the playoffs ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, according to the media poll. Highlands received 14 first-place votes and will be looking to add another championship to its storied history.
Other programs in contention:
- Boyle County (8-2)
- DuPont Manual (9-1)
- Beechwood (10-0)
- Covington Catholic (6-4)
- Madison Central (9-1)
- Christian Academy-Louisville (10-0)
- Pulaski County (10-0)
ALL-USA Players to watch in Kentucky
Ja'Hyde Brown, Christian Academy-Louisville WR
Brown is one of the most productive wide receivers in the country and a major reason Christian Academy-Louisville enters the playoffs unbeaten. The senior had recorded 65 receptions for 1,254 yards and 28 touchdowns through nine games, averaging 139.3 receiving yards per game. He also had 29 total touchdowns. Brown is a first-team ALL-USA Midwest Region selection.
Seneca Driver, Boyle County TE
At 6-foot-7, Driver is a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. The senior tight end and defensive end earned first-team ALL-USA Midwest Region recognition. The Oklahoma commit gives Boyle County a big target in the passing game and an imposing presence on the defensive side of the ball.
Kellan Hall, Christian Academy-Louisville DL
Hall earned first-team ALL-USA Midwest Region honors as a junior, helping this unit allow just 62 points in the regular season. He anchors a Christian Academy-Louisville defensive front that will be tested as the Centurions pursue another state championship.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @AlexMartinUSAT or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 Kentucky high school football playoffs: Teams and players to watch
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