Breaking news: a new athletic conference is being formed called the Heartland Conference

[Longtime Observer]

I actually think this is the future of high school football. The really big-time players are eventually going to join literal minor league type football programs for kids (this doesn't really exist yet), and those programs are going to be an entirely separate entity. The actual high schools fielding "extracurricular" sports will form their own leagues where most/all of the players are just typical high school kids who aren't seriously thinking of trying to be a professional athlete. Schools and big money minor league sports need to be separated.

[gatorman-uf]

On 4/17/2025 at 11:52 AM, Longtime Observer said:

I actually think this is the future of high school football. The really big-time players are eventually going to join literal minor league type football programs for kids (this doesn't really exist yet), and those programs are going to be an entirely separate entity. The actual high schools fielding "extracurricular" sports will form their own leagues where most/all of the players are just typical high school kids who aren't seriously thinking of trying to be a professional athlete. Schools and big money minor league sports need to be separated.

This was discussed at length on the old FlaVarsity Board. The idea is that IMG is replicated, but it will be created in every state. Eventually, the STA, MNW, Cocoa, and Venice can't compete with that.

[gatorman-uf]

Simple Solution:
Class 6A: Top 32 ranked teams (over the past 4 years according to MaxPreps) 
Class 5A: Next 32 ranked teams

Teams must play 7 games (or 70%, whichever is lower) against teams in their classification. All 32 teams make the playoffs, seeded by the FHSAA. This allows teams to play a national schedule or just a couple of local moneymakers/rivalry games.

Class 4A and 3A Next 64 and the Next 64 after that (Max Preps rank over 4 years)
Put them in 8 districts of 8 teams, play 7 district games, and let the top 4 teams in each district advance to the playoffs.

Class 2A and 1A (128 teams each, with 1A getting any teams beyond 128).
16 districts of 8 teams, top 1 or 2 (make the playoffs).

Rural remains unchanged, but the FHSAA can put really bad large rural teams in.

___________________ 
Every two years, the worst 4 teams from 6A and 5A move down, the worst 8 teams from 4A and 3A move down, and the 16 teams from 2A move down. (4-year running average).
Every two years, the best 4 teams from 5A and 4A move up, the best 8 teams from 3A and 2A move up, and the best 16 teams from 1A.
_________________ 

This ensures a fair schedule for schools by playing teams of similar achievement level. It allows teams to develop into better teams and play teams at a higher level. It doesn't punish teams for one good season by making them move, but having multiple good seasons to move up. Teams can play other teams pursuing football in the same manner as they do. If you are the transfer portal school, you still get to be that school. If you are a school just trying to get the kids to line up correctly, then guess what, you will play similar schools. Coaches at these lower schools won't feel frustrated that the kids they developed, transfer, and play against them next season.

I will acknowledge the largest logistical drawback to this would be when a Panhandle school makes it to 5A or 6A as finding 7 games will be hard.