High School Football Schedules by State: Start Dates and Where to Watch in 2025
Discover when high school football starts in each state and find out where to stream the top matchups in 2025
Introduction: Your 2025 High School Football Kickoff Guide
High school football is more than a sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon across the United States. Every fall, fans gear up to support their teams, watch rivalries reignite, and witness young athletes chase dreams under the lights. But every state has its own kickoff dates, regulations, and streaming platforms. That’s why we created this definitive guide on when high school football starts in each state and where to watch it live.
Whether you’re a parent, scout, student, or fan, we’ve broken it all down—state by state, with verified schedules, key dates, and broadcast partners.
Alabama High School Football Start Date & Streaming Options
Start Date: August 23, 2025
Regular Season Duration: August 23 – October 25
Watch Online: NFHS Network, local stations like WSFA
In Alabama, football kicks off in late August, with many powerhouse programs like Hoover and Thompson drawing statewide attention. The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) sanctions official schedules and playoff formats.
Alaska High School Football Kickoff Schedule
Start Date: August 16, 2025
Season Duration: Mid-August to mid-October
Stream Access: NFHS Network (limited coverage), Local school YouTube channels
Alaska’s season starts earlier than most due to weather concerns. Schools in Anchorage and Fairbanks begin before school officially starts.
Arizona High School Football Start and Viewing Details
Kickoff Date: August 30, 2025
Coverage: AZPreps365, NFHS Network, YurView Arizona
Arizona’s football climate is fast-paced. Schools like Chandler and Saguaro dominate headlines. AIA’s official portal provides updates and broadcasting links.
Arkansas High School Football Calendar and Broadcast Info
Season Start: August 26, 2025
Stream Locations: NFHS Network, ARPreps.com
The Arkansas Activities Association sets the official start near the end of August. Playoffs typically begin in November.
California High School Football Start Dates & Where to Watch
Opening Night: August 23, 2025
Watch Online: NFHS Network, BallerTV, Spectrum SportsNet
California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) regions have slight variations. Southern Section and Northern Section games may have different start times.
Colorado High School Football: Start and Streaming
Start Date: August 29, 2025
Live Coverage: NFHS Network, Altitude Sports (select games)
CHSAA governs the official schedule. Games are typically Friday nights with some Thursday and Saturday showdowns.
Connecticut Football Schedule and Watch Guide
Season Opener: September 6, 2025
Streaming Options: GameTime CT, NFHS Network
Connecticut starts later than many states. The CIAC enforces strict practice-to-game ratios before official competition begins.
Delaware High School Football Launch Timeline
First Games: August 30, 2025
Watch Live: NFHS Network, 302 Sports, YouTube streams
The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association sets a consistent late-August launch, with strong rivalries like Middletown vs. Smyrna headlining.
Florida High School Football: Key Dates and Streaming Channels
Kickoff Date: August 16, 2025 (Kickoff Classics)
Watch Options: Bally Sports Florida, NFHS, Varsity Sports Network
Florida opens with “Kickoff Classics” a week before the regular season. Teams like St. Thomas Aquinas and IMG Academy set the national standard.
Georgia High School Football Start Dates & Media
Season Opener: August 23, 2025
Live Streaming: GPB Sports, NFHS Network
Georgia’s GHSA governs the schedule. Expect Thursday night matchups televised statewide and Friday night streams online.
Hawaii High School Football Timeline
Start Date: August 10, 2025
Broadcasts: Spectrum OC16, NFHS Network
Due to climate and school-year scheduling, Hawaii’s season begins early. The HHSAA oversees a robust early-August start.
When Does High School Football Start in the Remaining States?
| State | Start Date (2025) | Streaming Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | August 23 | NFHS, IdahoSports.com |
| Illinois | August 30 | NFHS, Prep Redzone |
| Indiana | August 23 | IHSAAtv.org, local networks |
| Iowa | August 23 | Varsity Bound, YouTube |
| Kansas | August 30 | NFHS Network, KSHSAA.tv |
| Kentucky | August 16 | NFHS, PrepSpin, KHSAA TV |
| Louisiana | September 6 | Crescent City Sports, NFHS Network |
| Maine | September 6 | NFHS, Local Access |
| Maryland | August 30 | NFHS, County YouTube Pages |
| Massachusetts | September 6 | NFHS, MassVarsity |
| Michigan | August 29 | MHSAA Network, NFHS |
| Minnesota | August 23 | PrepSpotlight.tv, NFHS |
| Mississippi | August 23 | NFHS, ScoreStream |
| Missouri | August 30 | MSHSAA TV, NFHS Network |
| Montana | August 23 | NFHS, School Social Channels |
| Nebraska | August 23 | NFHS, NewsChannel Nebraska |
| Nevada | August 30 | SilverStatePreps.com, NFHS |
| New Hampshire | September 6 | NFHS, Local Broadcasts |
| New Jersey | August 29 | NJ.com Live, NFHS |
| New Mexico | August 23 | NFHS, ProView Networks |
| New York | September 6 | NFHS, MSG Varsity |
| North Carolina | August 23 | NFHS, WRAL Sports |
| North Dakota | August 23 | NFHS, Local School Pages |
| Ohio | August 23 | Spectrum News 1, OHSAA.tv |
| Oklahoma | August 30 | NFHS, Skordle, Vype |
| Oregon | August 30 | NFHS, OSAA Live Streams |
| Pennsylvania | August 23 | PCN Select, Local Channel Streams |
| Rhode Island | September 6 | NFHS, RIIL Network |
| South Carolina | August 16 | NFHS, WACH Fox 57 |
| South Dakota | August 23 | Midco Sports, NFHS |
| Tennessee | August 23 | NFHS, TSSAA Network |
| Texas | August 29 | Bally Sports Southwest, TexanLive |
| Utah | August 23 | KSL Sports, NFHS |
| Vermont | September 6 | NFHS, Local Access TV |
| Virginia | August 30 | NFHS, Hudl Streams |
| Washington | August 30 | WIAA Network, NFHS |
| West Virginia | August 30 | MetroNews, NFHS |
| Wisconsin | August 23 | NFHS, Prep Mania |
| Wyoming | August 23 | NFHS, WyoPreps |
Top Platforms to Watch High School Football Online in 2025
NFHS Network
Covers nearly every state. Subscription required. Offers live and on-demand replays.
State-Specific Networks
- GPB Sports (Georgia)
- OC16 (Hawaii)
- Spectrum (California, Florida, Texas)
YouTube & School Pages
Schools now stream directly via their official YouTube or Facebook pages. Check weekly schedules for local matchups.
High School Football Streaming Tips
Check Time Zones
Some games in Hawaii, Alaska, and Pacific states air much later. Adjust your viewing plan accordingly.
Bookmark School Pages
Follow your school’s Facebook, YouTube, or official athletic department to catch impromptu streams.
Use Hashtags
Track live games on Twitter and Instagram using hashtags like #FridayNightLights, #HSFootball, or #StateNameFootball.
FAQs About High School Football Start Dates and Streaming
Q1: Which state starts high school football first in 2025?
Hawaii begins earliest, launching the season around August 10, 2025.
Q2: Do all states start football at the same time?
No. Start dates range from August 10 to September 6, depending on weather and regulations.
Q3: Can I stream games without a subscription?
Some schools offer free YouTube streams, but most comprehensive access is via NFHS Network, which requires a subscription.
Q4: Are Friday night games still the most common?
Yes. While some games air on Thursdays or Saturdays, Friday nights remain standard nationwide.
Q5: Do all states allow live broadcasts of high school football games?
Most do, but some districts limit broadcasting rights or delay posting replays. Always check with the school or league.
Conclusion: Watch the 2025 High School Football Season Unfold
The 2025 high school football season is packed with talent, tradition, and statewide excitement. With each state setting its unique kickoff date and streaming solution, it’s never been easier to follow your favorite teams from anywhere.
Whether you’re cheering for a Texas titan, a California contender, or a small-town underdog, this guide helps you track when the action starts and where to watch every thrilling snap.
Stay connected, stay informed, and get ready to witness another unforgettable season of high school football across the U.S.
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