HighSchoolOT’s playoff projections are back to get HSOT Insiders ready for the new era of the NCHSAA’s postseason.

These are the projections for the 2026 N.C. High School Athletic Association’s 8A baseball state playoffs.

The projections are not official and can change when the official brackets are released by the NCHSAA. However, these projections are accurate as of the time stamp below. Subscribe to email alerts to be notified when projections are updated.

For a playoff bracket explainer, check out this column on RPI, seeding, and bracket construction.

Want to see the projected brackets in other classifications? Click the link below:

There are now two separate projection tables for Insiders to study.

The “If the Season Ended Today” projections will depend on the RPI system, which is updated in real-time rather than weekly. RPI changes as new score data is entered into MaxPreps, meaning teams can fall in and out of the projections based on who enters scores.

Additionally, we’re making an end-of-season projection, as the current RPIs don’t always reflect what we think the final rankings will be.

Playoff DatesMonday, May 4 — Official brackets released by NCHSAATuesday, May 5 — First Round at higher seedFriday, May 8 — Second Round at higher seedTuesday, May 12 — Third Round at higher seedFriday, May 15 — Fourth Round at higher seedMay 20-23 — Regional FinalsMay 27-30 — State championships at neutral sites

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