NSAA rearranges high school football schedule to keep games competitive

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — For the past few years, Nebraska high school football has experienced decreases in participation.

In 2024, Omaha Benson ended their season early with a 0-7 record, citing low participation numbers. In 2025, Lincoln High and Omaha Buena Vista forfeiting games due to too many injuries.

Nate Neuhaus, the assistant director at the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA), said

“Hopefully we don’t see forfeits or, at least minimize the number of forfeits we see this fall,” Neuhaus said.

The NSAA has decided on a schedule change, trying to keep the competitiveness and enjoyment alive in high school football.

“We’re seeing our participation numbers increase,” Neuhaus said. “We have to make it fun again. Some of that is the matchups. It’s more fun to play games that you can potentially win. When we can avoid those really bad matchups then we, hopefully, can prevent the forfeits.”

The schedules have now been rearranged to ensure the later season games are more competitive.