MIAA Super 8 football, explained: what changes for Massachusetts high school football in 2027

The MIAA Board of Directors voted 12-2 on Aug. 19, 2026, to approve a new football postseason format, according to the Boston Globe. The changes begin with the 2027 season. Nothing changes this fall.

What is the Super 8?

The Super 8, officially called Division 1A, is a separate top bracket for the eight highest-ranked teams from Divisions 1 and 2, based on MIAA power rankings. It is a three-week, single-elimination tournament. The next-best teams from those two divisions fill the regular Division 1 and Division 2 brackets.

Can teams from lower divisions play in the Super 8?

No. Only Division 1 and 2 teams are eligible. The Globe reported that the football committee kept lower divisions out for safety reasons. Limiting the Super 8 to two divisions was one of the most debated parts of the plan.

How many teams will make the playoffs?

Fewer. Eight teams will qualify in each division, down from 16 today. Statewide, the number of playoff teams drops from 128 to 72.

How many regular-season games will teams play?

Nine, up from eight. The Globe reported that the extra regular-season week replaces the current Round of 16.

Are Thanksgiving games still happening?

Yes. The MIAA kept the traditional Thanksgiving games in the new schedule. The state championship games follow in early December.

How many state champions will there be?

Nine: the Super 8 champion plus a champion in each of the eight divisions.

Will football divisions change?

Yes. The MIAA plans to rebalance football divisions in the 2027-29 alignment cycle so each has a similar number of teams. The Globe reported targets of roughly 30 to 34 teams per division. Larger schools with stronger programs could move up from Division 3 to Division 2, which would make them eligible for the Super 8.

Do other sports have a Super 8?

Yes. In May, the MIAA approved Division 1A tournaments for baseball, starting in spring 2027 with championship games at Polar Park, and for boys' and girls' ice hockey, starting in the 2027-28 season.

What about the 2026 season?

The current format still applies. The regular-season cutoff is Oct. 31, brackets are released Nov. 1, and the tournament begins no earlier than Nov. 5.

For how tournament seeding is decided, see our guide to official Massachusetts high school power rankings.