Citing competitive imbalance, Tennessee private schools may leave the TSSAA and form their own league and build their own schedule. They are doing so to get away from Baylor, Brentwood Academy & McCallie.

Interesting development.

Would not be surprised to see more of this happen in other states.

Could competitive imbalance also be contributing to the number of programs across the country dropping varsity football for the 2026 season?

Dominance of Baylor, McCallie has some D-II teams conside...

A move that could potentially shake up the entire framework for the TSSAA's private-school membership could be presented to the state's high school sports governing body as early as next week.

Appears to be more than just the other six teams in Division 2, Class AAA as the word down here is 12 or more D2 schools considering the move.

Teams in that division rankings on MaxPreps.

It is my understanding for Kentucky schools to compete versus out of state teams, they must be members of their state's athletic association.

7 hours ago, thsrocks said:

It is my understanding for Kentucky schools to compete versus out of state teams, they must be members of their state's athletic association.

No more. That was a KHSAA requirement years ago. Nowadays a KHSAA school team can play other non state sanctioned teams... to include home school consortium teams.

7 hours ago, thsrocks said:

It is my understanding for Kentucky schools to compete versus out of state teams, they must be members of their state's athletic association.

9 minutes ago, TH58 said:

No more. That was a KHSAA requirement years ago. Nowadays a KHSAA school team can play other non state sanctioned teams... to include home school consortium teams.

Speaking of Kentucky schools playing schools not associated with their state's athletic association....anybody remember this series of events from not so long ago?

4A #2 Johnson Central vs. Bishop Sycamore (OH) Predictions/Updates

Johnson Central 34 Bishop Sycamore (OH) 8

Johnson Central vs. Bishop Sycamore (OH) Predictions/Updates (Canceled)

Bishop Sycamore: The next big prep school...or not?

HBO documentary on Bishop Sycamore, the fake high school/prep school from Ohio

Interesting progression for the 59 Private schools playing football in Tennessee.

First, Division 2 created for Private Schools. Private schools wishing to remain in Division 1 (Public) had a multiplier applied to their enrollment number (1.4, I think).

Next, all Private schools were moved to Division 2 into three Classes.

Now, nine of the 12 members of D2-Class AAA (plus others from the smaller classes), discussing leaving the TSSAA due to the "Big 3" of Baylor, Brentwood Academy & McCallie. IMO, those three will be the big losers if this move happens as they will have to go out of TN to find games. The other nine or 12 discussing forming their own league would have enough members to play a full schedule. Ironically, a few years ago the "Big 3" in D2-AAA were Ensworth, Montgomery Bell & Brentwood Academy.

With a few exceptions, Division 1 Public schools in TN don't play the Private schools. For example, in our county there are seven public high schools and one D2 school. None of the public schools play that private school in any sport. Our school is only three miles from their campus.

3 hours ago, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

Speaking of Kentucky schools playing schools not associated with their state's athletic association....anybody remember this series of events from not so long ago?

4A #2 Johnson Central vs. Bishop Sycamore (OH) Predictions/Updates

Johnson Central 34 Bishop Sycamore (OH) 8

Johnson Central vs. Bishop Sycamore (OH) Predictions/Updates (Canceled)

Bishop Sycamore: The next big prep school...or not?

HBO documentary on Bishop Sycamore, the fake high school/prep school from Ohio

This is exactly where my thoughts went when I read "non-sanctioned" schools.

This seems soft as Charmin to me...

The idea of a "State Champion" in a 12-team division is a bit silly in its own right, but geez.

1 minute ago, WishboneCity said:

This seems soft as Charmin to me...

The idea of a "State Champion" in a 12-team division is a bit silly in its own right, but geez.

Take 12 of the 20 best teams in KY and put them in one class and no one would be saying the class is soft.

3 hours ago, theguru said:

Take 12 of the 20 best teams in KY and put them in one class and no one would be saying the class is soft.

I should clarify that I think the fact that events have led to a 12 team classification is "soft.”

Not to mention within that 12 team class, 9 teams are looking to break away.

4 minutes ago, WishboneCity said:

I should clarify that I think the fact that events have led to a 12 team classification is "soft.”

Not to mention within that 12 team class, 9 teams are looking to break away.

It kind of reminds me of the Island of Misfit Toys, not all the toys think they belong there.

We understand, Tennessee.

7 hours ago, theguru said:

Take 12 of the 20 best teams in KY and put them in one class and no one would be saying the class is soft.

Exactly! Maybe 8 to 10 Public high school teams in TN could even compete with those 12 in D2-AAA. The reason there's only 12 of the 59 D2 teams in the biggest class is simply the vast difference between those 12 and the other 47 in D2. When the TSSAA went to three classes in D2 there were only nine in AAA. Christ Pres. Academy, Lipscomb Academy & Knoxville Catholic have been added in last four years or so. We're a consistent top 10 team in D1-Class 5A and we would have trouble competing with those teams.

Ensworth was a power for awhile and now have seemed to slip back.