Two rounds down, three to go! The 2026 MHSAA football playoffs are heating up as we head into the Regional Finals, with just 64 teams across eight divisions still standing in the hunt for a state championship at Ford Field.

The Goosepoop website is updated once again with the latest team ratings, projected spreads, over/unders, win probabilities, and more for every regional championship matchup.

The first two rounds have delivered plenty of excitement, but now things are getting serious. With just eight teams remaining in each division, every matchup carries even more weight. The competition is getting tougher, the stakes are getting higher, and a trip to the state semifinals is on the line. From heavyweight battles between championship favorites to Cinderella stories looking to keep the magic alive, the Regional Finals have all the ingredients for another wild weekend of Michigan high school football.

Below, we'll break down the biggest games, championship contenders, potential upsets, and storylines to watch in the Regional Finals. For the full slate of projections, rankings, and more, head over to the Goosepoop website.

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Heading into the Regional Finals, here's the entire Division 1 field, ranked 1–8 by our computer ratings:

And here's how the Division 1 playoff bracket looks after two rounds:

Division 1 is absolutely loaded heading into the Regional Finals, with nearly all of the top championship contenders still standing. Detroit Catholic Central continues to lead the Goosepoop computer ratings with a 68.10 rating and a 36.3% chance of winning the state championship. Undefeated East Kentwood follows with a 23.9% title probability, while Cass Tech, Romeo, and Clarkston remain firmly in the championship conversation.

The left side of the bracket is particularly brutal, featuring the division's three highest-rated teams in Catholic Central, East Kentwood, and Clarkston. Catholic Central and Clarkston will meet in a heavyweight regional championship matchup, while East Kentwood looks to continue its undefeated season against Portage Central. If both favorites advance, Catholic Central and East Kentwood will meet in the state semifinals, meaning one of the division's two biggest championship favorites would be eliminated before Ford Field.

On the opposite side, undefeated Cass Tech and Romeo remain on a potential collision course in the semifinals. Cass Tech will face Northville, while Romeo takes on Stoney Creek. Both enter as strong favorites according to the computer model, setting up the possibility of an undefeated showdown with a trip to Ford Field on the line.

Regional Final matchups to watch: Clarkston vs. Detroit Catholic Central is one of the biggest games in the state, featuring the first- and third-rated teams in Division 1. The Goosepoop model favors Catholic Central by 13 points, giving the Shamrocks a 72% chance of advancing. East Kentwood is an 18-point favorite over Portage Central, while Cass Tech is also favored by 18 against Northville. Romeo rounds out the regional championships as a 12-point favorite over Stoney Creek. With so many talented teams remaining, Division 1 is setting up for an incredible finish.

Heading into the Regional Finals, here's the entire Division 2 field, ranked 1–8 by our computer ratings:

And here's how the Division 2 playoff bracket looks after two rounds:

Division 2 features some of the most interesting regional championship matchups in the state. Orchard Lake St. Mary's leads the computer ratings by a considerable margin, carrying a 60.34 rating and a 43.3% chance of winning the state championship. Behind the Eaglets, however, the race is much tighter. Mona Shores, Byron Center, Grosse Pointe South, Brother Rice, and South Lyon are all separated by fewer than three rating points.

The left side of the bracket features a massive showdown between Mona Shores and Byron Center, the second- and third-rated teams in Division 2. Both have legitimate championship aspirations, but only one will advance to the state semifinals. Meanwhile, South Lyon will face Milford in the other regional championship, with the Lions favored to keep their postseason run alive. A potential Mona Shores–South Lyon semifinal would be another intriguing matchup between highly rated contenders.

On the right side, Orchard Lake St. Mary's will meet Brother Rice in a Catholic League showdown. The Eaglets remain the clear championship favorites, but Brother Rice has the fifth-highest computer rating in the division and will look to pull off a major upset. Grosse Pointe South, meanwhile, faces Livonia Franklin and appears to have a favorable opportunity to advance to the semifinals.

Regional Final matchups to watch: Byron Center vs. Mona Shores is arguably the game of the week, with the Goosepoop model favoring Mona Shores by just half a point! The Sailors hold a razor-thin 51% win probability, with a projected final score of 38–37. Brother Rice vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary's is another heavyweight matchup, with the Eaglets favored by 14.5 points. South Lyon is an eight-point favorite over Milford, while Grosse Pointe South is the division's biggest regional favorite, projected to beat Livonia Franklin by 28.5 points. Division 2 has plenty of potential for excitement this weekend.

Heading into the Regional Finals, here's the entire Division 3 field, ranked 1–8 by our computer ratings:

And here's how the Division 3 playoff bracket looks after two rounds:

Division 3 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive championship races in the state, with DeWitt and Harper Woods emerging as the two clear favorites according to our computer ratings. DeWitt leads the division with a 52.76 rating and a 32.8% chance of winning the state championship, while Harper Woods sits just behind with a 51.74 rating and a 29.2% title probability. Zeeland West, Chelsea, and Mason round out the top five, giving this division several dangerous contenders.

The left side of the bracket features top-rated DeWitt taking on Mount Pleasant, while Zeeland West faces Middleville Thornapple Kellogg. Both DeWitt and Zeeland West enter as sizable favorites, creating the possibility of a semifinal showdown between two of the division's three highest-rated teams. DeWitt remains the favorite to emerge from this side, but Zeeland West has the talent to make things interesting.

On the opposite side, undefeated Chelsea and 10–1 Mason will meet in one of the closest projected regional championships in the state. The winner will advance to face either Harper Woods or Warren De La Salle. Harper Woods remains one of the division's leading championship contenders, while De La Salle has made an impressive postseason run despite entering the playoffs with a losing record.

Regional Final matchups to watch: Chelsea vs. Mason is the clear headliner, featuring the fourth- and fifth-rated teams in Division 3. The Goosepoop model gives Chelsea a 54% chance of advancing, projecting a narrow 35–33 victory. Zeeland West is favored by 8.5 points over Thornapple Kellogg, while Harper Woods enters as a 17-point favorite against De La Salle. DeWitt is the largest favorite in the division, projected to beat Mount Pleasant by 19 points. With the top two teams on opposite sides of the bracket, a DeWitt–Harper Woods championship showdown remains a real possibility.

Heading into the Regional Finals, here's the entire Division 4 field, ranked 1–8 by our computer ratings:

And here's how the Division 4 playoff bracket looks after two rounds:

Division 4 has a clear favorite heading into the Regional Finals, with Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills sitting atop the computer ratings at 49.97. The Knights carry a 37.5% chance of winning the state championship, followed by Grand Rapids South Christian at 20.8%. Goodrich and Dearborn Divine Child aren't far behind, making this a division with four serious championship contenders.

The left side of the bracket features the division's top two teams in Kenowa Hills and South Christian. Kenowa Hills will face Hudsonville Unity Christian, while South Christian takes on undefeated Portland. Both favorites have difficult opponents standing in their way, but a potential semifinal matchup between Kenowa Hills and South Christian would guarantee that one of the division's two highest-rated teams falls short of Ford Field.

On the right side, undefeated Goodrich and Dearborn Divine Child will square off in one of the closest projected games of the entire postseason. The two teams sit third and fourth in the computer ratings, separated by fewer than half a rating point. The other regional championship features Macomb Lutheran North and Detroit Country Day, with the Yellowjackets looking to continue their postseason run against a 10–1 Mustangs squad.

Regional Final matchups to watch: Goodrich vs. Divine Child is the biggest game in Division 4, with the Goosepoop model favoring Goodrich by just half a point! The Martians have a 51% chance of advancing, with a projected score of 22–21. Portland vs. South Christian is another intriguing matchup, with the Sailors favored by 11.5 points despite Portland entering undefeated. Kenowa Hills is a 21-point favorite over Unity Christian, while Detroit Country Day is projected to beat Lutheran North by 7.5 points. Division 4 has some excellent regional championship matchups on tap.

Heading into the Regional Finals, here's the Division 5 remaining-field ranking from our computer model:

And here's how the Division 5 playoff bracket looks after the opening round:

Division 5 remains one of the most wide-open championship races in the state. Grand Rapids West Catholic leads the computer ratings with a 34.72 rating and a 28.0% chance of winning the state championship, but Frankenmuth is right behind at 26.1%. Ogemaw Heights, Monroe Jefferson, and Swan Valley are also firmly in the mix, making this a division where several teams have a legitimate opportunity to reach Ford Field.

The left side of the bracket features West Catholic taking on Berrien Springs, while Ogemaw Heights faces Negaunee. Both West Catholic and Ogemaw Heights enter as significant favorites, setting up the possibility of a highly anticipated semifinal showdown. West Catholic remains the highest-rated team in the division, but Ogemaw Heights has put together an impressive season and could present a difficult challenge with a trip to Ford Field on the line.

On the opposite side, Frankenmuth appears to be in a favorable position to make another deep postseason run. The Eagles will face Swan Valley in a regional championship between two 10–1 teams, while Monroe Jefferson takes on Romulus Summit Academy North. Jefferson has emerged as an interesting championship contender with a 10–1 record, and the model gives the Bears a legitimate opportunity to make things interesting on this side of the bracket.

Regional Final matchups to watch: Frankenmuth vs. Swan Valley is one of the biggest games in Division 5, with the Goosepoop model favoring Frankenmuth by 12 points and giving the Eagles a 70% chance of advancing. Monroe Jefferson vs. Summit Academy North is another intriguing matchup, with Jefferson projected to win 31–24 and holding a 62% win probability. West Catholic is a 17.5-point favorite over Berrien Springs, while Ogemaw Heights is favored by 12.5 against Negaunee. With several championship contenders still standing and no overwhelming favorite, Division 5 could produce plenty of playoff chaos.

Heading into the Regional Finals, here's the entire Division 6 field, ranked 1–8 by our computer ratings:

And here's how the Division 6 playoff bracket looks after two rounds:

Division 6 has a clear championship favorite heading into the Regional Finals, with Jackson Lumen Christi leading the computer ratings by a considerable margin. The Titans carry a 37.48 rating and a 48.3% chance of winning the state championship, nearly three times the title probability of any other remaining team. Undefeated Kingsley and Sanford Meridian follow in the rankings, while Ecorse, Detroit Edison, and Almont round out a competitive group of contenders.

The left side of the bracket features two undefeated teams looking to keep their perfect seasons alive. Kingsley and Sanford Meridian will meet in a massive regional championship matchup, with both teams entering at 11–0. The winner will advance to face either Almont or Marine City, two more undefeated teams. That means this side of the bracket is guaranteed to send an unbeaten team to the state semifinals, making it one of the more interesting championship races in the state.

On the opposite side, Lumen Christi appears to have a favorable path toward another trip to Ford Field. The Titans will take on Belding in the Regional Finals, while Detroit Edison and Ecorse battle for the other semifinal spot. Both Edison and Ecorse have put together strong seasons, but the model sees Lumen Christi as the clear favorite to emerge from this side of the bracket.

Regional Final matchups to watch: Kingsley vs. Sanford Meridian is the headliner, featuring two undefeated teams with a trip to the state semifinals on the line. The Goosepoop model gives Kingsley a narrow 54% chance of advancing, projecting a 35–33 victory. Detroit Edison vs. Ecorse is another fantastic matchup, with Ecorse favored by just one point and holding a 52% win probability. Almont is favored by nine points over Marine City, while Lumen Christi is the division's biggest favorite, projected to beat Belding by 26.5 points. With four undefeated teams on one side of the bracket and the state's strongest Division 6 contender on the other, this championship race is getting interesting.

Heading into the Regional Finals, here's the entire Division 7 field, ranked 1–8 by our computer ratings:

And here's how the Division 7 playoff bracket looks after two rounds:

Division 7 has one of the most interesting championship races remaining, with Ithaca emerging as the clear favorite according to the Goosepoop computer ratings. The Yellowjackets lead the division with a 39.55 rating and a 41.7% chance of winning the state championship. Pewamo-Westphalia and Menominee follow in the rankings, while Ottawa Lake Whiteford and Ravenna round out the top five. With several strong programs still standing, the road to Ford Field won't be easy for anyone.

The left side of the bracket features three of the division's four highest-rated teams, creating a difficult path to the championship game. Ithaca and undefeated Pewamo-Westphalia will meet in a massive regional championship matchup, with both teams carrying legitimate state title aspirations. Meanwhile, Menominee takes on Charlevoix in the other regional final. If the favorites advance, the semifinals could feature another heavyweight showdown between Ithaca and Menominee.

On the opposite side, Ottawa Lake Whiteford is the highest-rated remaining team and will take on Jonesville for a regional championship. Whiteford enters as a significant favorite, while the other regional final between Ravenna and North Muskegon is expected to be much more competitive. Ravenna has the division's fifth-highest computer rating, but North Muskegon enters at 10–1 and will look to keep its championship hopes alive.

Regional Final matchups to watch: Pewamo-Westphalia vs. Ithaca is the clear headliner, featuring the first- and second-rated teams in Division 7. The Goosepoop model favors Ithaca by 10.5 points, giving the Yellowjackets a 68% chance of advancing. Ravenna vs. North Muskegon is another intriguing battle, with Ravenna favored by five points and holding a 59% win probability. Menominee is projected to beat Charlevoix by 13 points, while Ottawa Lake Whiteford is the division's largest favorite, projected to beat Jonesville by 24.5. With two of the biggest championship contenders meeting this weekend, Division 7 is guaranteed to lose a major threat before the semifinals.

Heading into the Regional Finals, here's the entire Division 8 field, ranked 1–8 by our computer ratings:

And here's how the Division 8 playoff bracket shook out:

Division 8 has developed into a two-team championship race according to our computer model, with Hudson and Beal City separating themselves from the rest of the field. Hudson leads the division with a 35.23 rating and a 49.4% chance of winning the state championship, while undefeated Beal City follows with a 30.83 rating and a 31.8% title probability. Together, the two teams account for more than 80% of the division's championship odds, making them the clear favorites to reach Ford Field.

The left side of the bracket features Beal City taking on Bark River-Harris, while Ubly faces New Lothrop in the other regional championship. Beal City enters as a heavy favorite to advance, but Ubly remains a dangerous contender with the division's third-highest computer rating. If both favorites advance, a Beal City–Ubly semifinal would provide another interesting test for the undefeated Aggies.

On the right side, top-rated Hudson will face Springport, while Madison Heights Madison takes on Clarkston Everest Collegiate. Hudson has been the division's strongest team according to the model and enters as a substantial favorite to advance. Meanwhile, Everest Collegiate and Madison are separated by very little in the computer ratings, setting up a competitive regional championship with an opportunity to face the division's top-rated team in the semifinals.

Regional Final matchups to watch: New Lothrop vs. Ubly is one of the most intriguing games in Division 8, with the Goosepoop model favoring Ubly by 9.5 points and giving the Bearcats a 66% chance of advancing. Madison Heights Madison vs. Everest Collegiate is the closest projected matchup in the division, with Everest favored by just four points and holding a 57% win probability. Hudson and Beal City are both heavy 24.5-point favorites over Springport and Bark River-Harris, respectively, with each receiving an 85% chance of advancing. With the two championship favorites on opposite sides of the bracket, a Hudson–Beal City showdown at Ford Field remains a very real possibility.

That’s everything you need heading into the Regional Finals!

Two rounds down, three to go! The field has been cut in half once again, and just 64 teams across eight divisions remain in the hunt for a state championship at Ford Field. The first two rounds have delivered plenty of excitement, but with regional championships and trips to the state semifinals on the line this weekend, the stakes are higher than ever!

Only eight teams remain in each division, and the margin for error is getting smaller. From heavyweight battles between state title favorites to Cinderella stories looking to keep their magical runs alive, expect plenty of big moments, potential upsets, and playoff chaos as the road to Ford Field continues to narrow!

Enjoy the games, follow along with all of our playoff projections on the Goosepoop website, and let us know what you think!

We'll be back next week to recap all the regional championship action and get you ready for the state semifinals!

Love,
Goose & Doak