Alabama will separate its public and private school football playoffs and championships starting next season after the state governing body voted 13-2 for the split Friday.
The move creates six public school divisions and two private classifications for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. Public and private schools can play each other during the regular season.
The 2026-27 and 2027-28 football alignment is as follows:
Class 6A: 32 largest schools
Class 5A: 64 schools
Class 4A: 64 schools
Class 3A: 64 schools
Class 2A: 63 schools
Class 1A: 63 schools
Private Double A: 16 schools
Private Single A: 32 schools
Alabama will split its football championships over the next two seasons into six public and two private school classifications. The AHSAA voted 13-2 on Friday for the split. (FILE PHOTO: Travis Kirkland)
"The landscape of education-based athletics in
Alabama is changing, and the AHSAA must continue to adapt," AHSAA
Executive Director Heath Harmon said. "After careful review —– and after
listening to our public and private school members — the Central Board
determined that now is an appropriate time to restructure championship
play, resulting in restructured championships for public and private
schools. This model will be implemented for the next two years."
It is the first time in the AHSAA's 104-year history that all member schools will not compete for the same championships.
Part of the reclassification process had been in response to a lawsuit from Gov. Kay Ivey over the AHSAA's interpretation of the CHOOSE ACT, which makes refundable tax credits of up to $7,000 for students and their families to use for education expenses including tuition.
