Starting in fall 2026, Colorado high school sports will switch to using MaxPreps ratings exclusively for rankings and playoff seeding, replacing the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). This decision was made by the CHSAA Board of Directors after data indicated that MaxPreps provided more accurate predictions for team outcomes. The new seeding method will remain in effect for at least the 2026-2028 school years. Conference champions will automatically secure postseason spots, while MaxPreps ratings will be used to fill remaining at-large slots. The change also includes the implementation of margin-of-victory caps to prevent skewed rankings due to large wins.

By the Numbers
  • 2026 will mark the first year MaxPreps ratings are exclusively used for playoff seeding in Colorado.
  • Margin-of-victory caps set limits across various sports: Football and Flag Football at 28 points, Basketball at 20 points, among others.
State of Play
  • The CHSAA Board conducted evaluations and found that MaxPreps ratings were more effective than the RPI for predicting outcomes.
  • MaxPreps will assess numerous Colorado high school sports, including basketball, soccer, and lacrosse.
What's Next

As the implementation date approaches, CHSAA will continue to refine and communicate how MaxPreps ratings will influence playoff structures and team evaluations. The impact of the new system on competitive balance and playoff outcomes will certainly be analyzed in subsequent seasons.

Bottom Line

This significant shift to MaxPreps ratings represents a move towards more reliable and accurate playoff seeding in Colorado high school sports. Stakeholders must adapt to these changes to maintain fair competition and ensure the integrity of postseason outcomes.