When Does High School Football Start? Season Dates by State

By Emma Wilson · September 12, 2026

High school football in the United States typically starts in late August to early September, with preseason practices beginning as early as mid-August. The exact start date varies by state due to climate, academic calendars, and governing body regulations.

When Does High School Football Season Begin?

The high school football season generally kicks off between late August and early September across most states. However, states like Texas often begin earlier—sometimes in early August—due to regional preferences and competitive schedules. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) oversees general guidelines, but each state's high school athletic association sets its own calendar.

Key Factors Influencing Start Dates

State Regulations: Each state determines its own season timeline.
Climate and Weather: Warmer states may start earlier to avoid extreme heat later.
School Academic Calendar: Alignment with the fall semester affects scheduling.
Postseason Structure: Championship dates influence when the regular season must begin.

Regional Variations Across the U.S.

Start dates for high school football are not uniform nationwide. Some states begin games before Labor Day, while others wait until after. This variation ensures safety, academic alignment, and optimal playing conditions.

Early-Starting States

Texas is notable for starting its high school football season in early August, driven by its tradition of competitive play and large stadium events. Florida and Georgia also tend to begin in mid-to-late August.

Late-Starting or Modified Schedules

States like California and Oregon typically start in early September. Alaska and some northern regions may delay further due to weather constraints.

State	Typical First Game Date	First Practice Date	Governing Body
Texas	August 24–30	August 5	Texas UIL
California	September 5–7	August 12	CIF
Florida	August 23–29	August 12	FHSAA
New York	September 6–7	August 21	NYSPHSAA
Ohio	August 29–30	August 5	OHSAA
Tennessee	August 22–24	July 29	GHSA
Washington	September 5–7	August 19	WIAA

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows significant variation in start dates, with southern states generally beginning earlier than northern ones. Texas stands out with one of the earliest practice start dates, reflecting its deep cultural emphasis on high school football. These differences highlight the decentralized nature of high school sports governance in the U.S.

Preseason vs. Regular Season

Understanding the distinction between preseason and regular season is crucial. Preseason includes training camp and scrimmages, usually starting two to four weeks before the first official game.

What Happens During Preseason?

Heat Acclimatization: Required protocols help prevent heat-related illnesses.
Scrimmages: Non-counting games used for evaluation and strategy testing.
Equipment Fitting and Conditioning: Ensures player safety and readiness.

How End-of-Season Affects Start Timing

The national high school football championship events occur in December, which influences when states schedule their regular season. States with later championships may extend their seasons into November or early December, requiring an earlier start to accommodate all games.

Common Questions About High School Football Start Dates

When does high school football start in Texas?

In Texas, high school football games typically begin during the last week of August, with the first sanctioned practice starting around August 5. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) governs the season structure.

Do all states start high school football at the same time?

No, start dates vary significantly by state. While Texas and Florida begin in August, states like California and Washington often start games in early September due to different academic calendars and climate considerations.

When do high school football practices start?

Practices usually begin two to three weeks before the first game. For example, in Texas, full-contact practices start around August 5, whereas in New York, they begin in mid-August.

Is there a national high school football season start date?

No, there is no single national start date. The NFHS provides guidelines, but individual state associations set their own schedules based on local conditions and policies.

Can weather affect when high school football starts?

Yes, extreme summer heat in southern states has led to adjusted practice times and mandatory rest periods. Conversely, northern states may delay outdoor activities due to cold or snow, affecting preseason planning.