New Football Districts Shake Up Minnesota High Schools for 2025!

Cloud Lake, Minnesota, USA - The excitement is palpable as the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) prepares for the revamped football seasons of 2025 and 2026. Announced in April 2023, the new football sections are already reshaping the landscape for local high schools, with district alignments recently unveiled this past July. This is no small matter for many teams that have been adjusting since the MSHSL moved to a district regular-season schedule in 2015, which replaced traditional conference play. Fans and players alike are keenly eyeing the changes and what they mean for upcoming games.

Practices for the 2025 season kick off on August 11, 2025, with the first games slated for August 28 and 29. The regular season wraps up with Week 8 on October 15, and playoffs will culminate on October 31. Mark your calendars, folks! The excitement hits its peak during the Prep Bowl, set for November 21-22, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. This is an event no football enthusiast would want to miss.

Key District and Team Movements

This year, teams are finding themselves in new places. Willmar, Rocori, and Hutchinson remain entrenched in the Skyway Copper division, while Becker, the reigning Class AAAA champion, makes a notable move to the Skyway Platinum division, joining the likes of Detroit Lakes, St. Cloud Tech, Fergus Falls, and Princeton. Meanwhile, Marshall comes up from the South Central Red division to now compete in the Platinum ranks.

New London-Spicer, Litchfield, and Montevideo are now in the Mid West Central Black division, while Minnewaska settles into the Mid West Central Blue division. In the Mid-South District, teams will compete across three divisions: Teal, White, and Purple—all showcasing a diverse mix of local talent. Renville County West joins 14 other teams in the competitive 9-Player South West division.

With many high school football programs releasing their 2025 schedules, teams must fill their eight-game regular-season slate primarily with opponents from within their district, although crossover games within the same district are permissible. Teams may also seek permission to face opponents from different districts, ensuring a dynamic playing field and plenty of opportunity for intriguing matchups. This will definitely keep things fresh throughout the season.

District Breakdown

A plethora of teams will be eying their placements as the following list illustrates the alignments set for the coming seasons:

The Mid West Central District has teams sorted into Black, Blue, Copper, and White divisions, adding layers of competition and excitement. With new alignments and scheduling flexibility, the 2025 football season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride for all involved—coaches, players, and fans alike.

In a time when high school sports bring communities together, these new district placements could lead to unexpected rivalries and unforgettable moments on the field. Stay tuned, as teams prepare to take their shots and see how the reconfiguration plays out in practice and games. It’s just the beginning for many! Let the countdown commence!

For a further look into this year’s exciting lineup, check out the detailed report on wctrib.com, inforum.com, and startribune.com.