Restructuring
- Updated: January 23, 2026
AHSAA announces restructuring of postseason model, with six public school and two private school classifications. Also, new regions announced.
Editor’s note: The AHSAA’s Central Board will meet at 9 a.m., and an announcement is set to come 10 minutes after the conclusion of that meeting. Will update as soon as announcement starts.
Reclassification updates
–Heath Harmon: Central Board determined now is appropriate time to restructure. New championship model applies only to postseason play.
–Public and private schools will compete with each other in regular season (non-region/area play)
–Private schools will be classified strictly on enrollment, no multiplier or competitive balance.
–There will be a new director of private school championships.
–All schools, public and private, still are part of AHSAA and will have access to all benefits.
–Public schools will have six classes, 6A 32 schools, rest evenly distributed. Private schools will have two classifications, AA and A. AA will be 17 largest schools.
–Complete split was never part of discussions.
–Harmon: Obviously, we want to work with political entities, but ultimately, that’s not our job. We don’t operate under any pressure.
–Harmon: We are not separating. We are restructuring championship pathways.
–Harmon: Meeting on Feb. 6. Brackets will be drawn up, and championship pathways will have to be approved.
–Harmon: Public and private schools will want to play during regular season. Board must address tiebreakers.
End of news conference. Reclassification reveal coming.
Class 1A, Region 6
Alabama Aerospace & Aviation, Fayetteville, Lafayette, Loachapoka, Notasulga, Wadley, Winterboro, Woodland
Class 1A, Region 8
Appalachian, Cedar Bluff, Gaylesville, Ragland, Spring Garden, Valley Head, Woodville
Class 2A, Region 6
Gaston, Ohatchee, Piedmont, Pleasant Valley, Saks, Vincent, Wellborn, West End-Walnut Grove.
Class 3A, Region 4
Ashville, Childersburg, Cleburne County, Handley, Munford, Talladega, Weaver, White Plains
Class 3A, Region 6
Etowah, Glencoe, Hanceville, Hokes Bluff, Holly Pond, Oneonta, Susan Moore, Vinemont.
Class 4A, Region 6
Alexandria, Anniston, Central-Clay, Jacksonville, Leeds, Lincoln, Moody, Sylacauga
Class 4A, Region 8
Brewer, Cherokee County, Crossville, Fairview, Good Hope, Guntersville, Hayden, Sardis
Class 5A, Region 6
Clay-Chalkville, Douglas, Oxford, Pell City, Pinson Valley, Southside, Springville, St. Clair County
Private A, Region 3
Autauga Academy, Ellwood Christian, Holy Spirit, Pickens Academy, Donoho, Tuscaloosa Academy, Victory Christian
Private A, Region 4
Coosa Christian, Decatur Heritage, Lindsey Lane, Mars Hill, Shoals Christian, Westbrook Christian, Whitesburg Christian
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