The Florida High School Athletic Association is introducing a new postseason format in 2026, bringing eight of the state's top high school football programs together to compete for the inaugural Open Division championship.

The field features an intriguing mix of nationally ranked contenders, traditional state powers and programs looking to prove they belong among Florida's best. Spoiler: There are a ton of heavy hitters.

Here's a look at the eight teams that made the inaugural FHSAA Open Division playoff bracket:

1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

As expected, St. Thomas Aquinas enters the inaugural Open Division as Florida's top-ranked program. The Raiders finished the regular season undefeated at 10-0 and holds the No. 2 spot in the latest USA TODAY Super 25 rankings and the top spot in the USA TODAY Southeast Super 15. Having already beaten Columbus and Chaminade-Madonna this season, Roger Harriott's group enters the gauntlet trying to finish 15-0 but will be without Notre Dame commit Julius Jones Jr. after season-ending surgery earlier this year. Expect the defense and the run game to try and win games for the Raiders.

2. Columbus (Miami, FL)

The Explorers have been outstanding this season under Dave Dunn, finishing out with a 9-1 record with the lone loss coming to St. Thomas Aquinas in Week 3. Columbus currently sits at No. 5 in the USA TODAY Super 25, and second in the USA TODAY Super 15 Southeast region. The Explorers stunned then-No. 1 nationally ranked Bishop Gorman (NV) 33-28 in August, announcing themselves as a legitimate national contender. Expect 5-star ATH A'mir Sears and QB Kai Moore to make their presences felt in these games.

3. West Boca Raton (FL)

The Bulls are off back-to-back state titles and enter the postseason with a 9-1 record. West Boca went unbeaten against in-state competition, having only lost to St. John's (DC) by one point in a 15-14 loss. The defense of Dylan Potts' squad has been elite this year, allowing just 46 points over 10 games. Expect this unit to be tested against some high-octane offenses, but the offensive unit led by QB Trey Moran, WR Billy Clancy III, and others can score points too.

4. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, FL)

The Lions have put together one heck of a season built by transfers, going 8-2 with losses to top-seeded St. Thomas Aquinas and Sierra Canyon (CA) as part of the Broward Showcase. The Lions are 13th in the USA TODAY Super 15 Southeast rankings, fueled by QB Brady Quinn and a wide receiver corps of Tromon Isaac, Kedarius Rhaney, and Armani Strong along with RB Amos Bradford. The Lions defeated American Heritage 46-27 and closed their regular season with four consecutive victories.

5. Lakeland (FL)

Lakeland has put together an outstanding season, finishing 9-1 with a double-overtime loss to Venice in Week 2. The Dreadnaughts have leaned on the versatility of senior Kelin Hendrix, who has contributed as both a passer and runner, throwing 17 touchdown passes while adding 10 rushing touchdowns. Senior running back Xavion Mitchell has provided another dimension to the offense, leading the team with 638 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. Lakeland closed its regular season with a 35-0 shutout of The First Academy, effectively eliminating the Lions from Open Division contention.

6. Central (Miami, FL)

Miami Central has perhaps the most challenging résumé of any team entering the Open Division with three regular season losses but enter as the No. 6 seed in the Open Division. The Rockets opened their schedule with a 23-22 road victory over Orange Lutheran (CA) before traveling north to face Buford (GA), falling 18-7. They also suffered a 28-3 loss to fellow Open Division qualifier Columbus and closed the regular season with a 27-10 defeat against Carol City. Those results tell part of the story, but Central also demonstrated its offensive ceiling with a 52-10 victory over Northwestern and a 63-7 win against Key West.

7. Raines (Jacksonville, FL)

Raines might be bringing the most momentum of any team in the inaugural field. The Vikings finished 10-0, extending their overall winning streak to 24 games and completing their third consecutive undefeated regular season. Their calling card has been a defense capable of changing games in a hurry, allowing just 10.7 points per game with 19 takeaways this year. Quarterback Samon Ellison-Morgan and running back TJ Williamson provide the offensive production, while defensive lineman Chenaniah Doran and edge rusher Troy Butler have been disruptive up front.

8. Venice (FL)

Venice has a legitimate offensive centerpiece in senior running back Dorien Irving-Jones, who has been one of the most productive backs in Southwest Florida this season. Irving-Jones averaged 148.6 rushing yards per game and accounted for 24 total touchdowns, giving the Indians a reliable offensive identity built around their ground attack. Senior Ira Dale has provided another rushing option, while freshman receiver and return specialist Mike Blakley has emerged as an intriguing playmaker with 63.3 receiving yards per game and six receiving touchdowns.