When does California high school football season start? Important dates to know in 2026

California’s high school baseball season may be over, but that means football season is on the horizon.

In just a matter of weeks, California’s top programs will return to the field looking to make their mark in one of the nation’s most competitive high school football landscapes.

The 2025 season delivered plenty of memorable moments, from Santa Margarita’s CIF Open Division State Championship Bowl Game title and a No. 3 spot in USA TODAY Sports’ Super 25 football rankings to major offseason roster moves. Now, a new stage is set as teams look to earn their way to the top stages in high school football.

When do teams return to action for the 2026 season? Here are all the dates to know:

California high school football season start dates: CIF

First practice date: July 27, 2026

Date of first games: Aug. 21, 2026

High school football practices for teams competing within the CIF in “Week 0” games get underway on July 27, 2026, with the date of the first games set for Aug. 21. Teams who have a bye in their schedule will play on this timeline.

Teams that do not have a bye in their schedule, and therefore do not have a “Week 0” game, will kick off on Aug. 28 with their first practice date set for Aug. 3.