Eight Iowa high schools cancel varsity football seasons in 2026
DES MOINES, Iowa —
Eight Iowa high schools have canceled their varsity football seasons this fall due to safety concerns and low participation numbers.
Video above: Iowa school district cancels varsity football season over safety concerns
According to the Iowa High School Athletic Association, that includes Davis County in Class 2A, Central Decatur and New London in Class A, and Exira-EHK, Lone Tree, Mormon Trail, Rockford and Siouxland Christian in the eight-player division.
Davis County, in Bloomfield, made its announcement last week, about three weeks before the first game of the season. Officials called it a difficult decision, but the right thing to do.”
“This decision was not made lightly,” school leaders said in a letter signed by the superintendent, high school principal, activities director and head football coach. “It was driven by low participation numbers and player safety concerns. We feel this is the right thing to do at this time.
“The health and well-being of our student-athletes remain our highest priority, leading us to conclude that canceling the varsity season is the most responsible course of action.”
Lone Tree and Rockford both also canceled their 2025 seasons before playing a game, while Siouxland Christian forfeited their season after one game.
The 2026 regular season kicks off Thursday, Aug. 27, with Des Moines East and Des Moines North meeting at Mediacom Stadium in Des Moines, and Dubuque Hempstead at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. A full slate of games follows the next day, the first Friday of the season.