Everything you need to know

The Catholic High School League (CHSL) will celebrate one of its most cherished traditions on Saturday, October 24, 2026, when Prep Bowl® LIV takes center stage at Ford Field in Detroit. This year's event promises to be especially memorable as the CHSL celebrates its Centennial, recognizing 100 years of faith, athletic excellence, academic achievement, and the people who have helped shape the league's remarkable history.

Founded by the Knights of Columbus and presented by Alliance Catholic Credit Union, Prep Bowl® LIV will feature five football games, including two Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) championship contests and three high school games. Throughout the day, the CHSL will also recognize outstanding student-athletes, educators, and some of the greatest athletes in league history.

A Full Day of Football at Ford Field

The gates at Ford Field will open at 7:15 a.m., with two exhibition games scheduled for 7:50 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.

The championship action begins at 9:00 a.m. with the CYO C-D Championship, followed by the CYO A-B Championship at 10:45 a.m. The participating teams will be determined in the days leading up to Prep Bowl. Both games will highlight the next generation of Catholic school athletes, with special recognition of CYO cheerleaders, sectional champions, and football scholar-athletes.

The high school portion of the program begins at 12:45 p.m. with opening ceremonies and the presentation of the CHSL Educator Awards, recognizing individuals whose dedication to Catholic education extends far beyond the classroom.

Three high school games will follow:

1:30 p.m. – Cardinal Championship

Intersectional 1 Champion vs. Intersectional 2 Champion

The two division champions will meet for the Cardinal Championship and the opportunity to add their names to the league's championship history.

At halftime, the CHSL will recognize the Scholastic All-Catholic Class of 2029, celebrating freshman student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom.

Following the game, the Scholastic All-Catholic Class of 2028 will be recognized, along with the 2026 Football Honor Team. Student-athletes selected for All-Academic, All-League, and All-Catholic honors will be introduced on the field for their achievements during the season.

4:30 p.m. – Prep Bowl Showcase Game #1

Jackson Lumen Christi vs. Dearborn Divine Child

Two successful football programs will renew their rivalry on one of Michigan's biggest football stages. Both schools captured MHSAA state championships in 2025, with Lumen Christi winning Division 6 and Divine Child claiming the Division 4 title.

The Divine Child Marching Band will perform at halftime, adding to the excitement of the afternoon. The halftime program will also feature the recognition of the Scholastic All-Catholic Class of 2027, honoring junior student-athletes for their academic excellence.

Following the game, Prep Bowl® LIV will feature one of the most significant moments of the CHSL Centennial celebration: the introduction of the league's 100 Greatest Male Athletes and 100 Greatest Female Athletes.

7:30 p.m. – Prep Bowl Showcase Game #2

Birmingham Brother Rice vs. Novi Detroit Catholic Central

The evening concludes with a Central Division showdown between two of the league's storied football programs. Brother Rice and Catholic Central will meet under the lights at Ford Field in a matchup steeped in CHSL tradition.

The Detroit Catholic Central Marching Band will perform at halftime, continuing the tradition of celebrating the spirit and talent of CHSL member schools beyond the football field.

Celebrating 100 Years of CHSL Excellence

While football provides the excitement on the field, Prep Bowl has always represented much more than the final score.

Throughout the day, the league will celebrate the academic, athletic, and personal achievements of its student-athletes. The Scholastic All-Catholic presentations will recognize members of the Classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029, while the Football Honor Team presentation will honor those selected as All-Academic, All-League, and All-Catholic performers.

The day's most historic moment will take place following the 4:30 p.m. game, when the CHSL introduces its 100 Greatest Male Athletes and 100 Greatest Female Athletes in celebration of the league's Centennial.

Selected based on their accomplishments at the collegiate and/or professional levels, these honorees represent generations of athletic excellence and the enduring impact of Catholic High School League competition. Their recognition will be a highlight of the league's 100th anniversary celebration.

The festivities will also include recognition of junior varsity and freshman football programs, performances by CYO cheerleaders, and recognition of outstanding Catholic school educators.

More Than Good Sports, Good People

Since its founding in 1926, the Catholic High School League has remained committed to developing young people through the values of faith, leadership, sportsmanship, and athletic competition.

Prep Bowl® LIV provides an opportunity to celebrate those values while bringing together current student-athletes, alumni, educators, coaches, families, and supporters from across the league.

As the CHSL marks a century of competition, Prep Bowl continues to demonstrate what has made the league special for generations: "More than good sports, Good people."

Prep Bowl® LIV Schedule

Saturday, October 24, 2026 – Ford Field, Detroit

Important Information for Spectators

Ford Field enforces a clear bag policy. Fans are encouraged to review the stadium's security requirements before arriving. Clear bags measuring no more than 12" × 6" × 12" and one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags are among the permitted options, subject to inspection.

For additional information regarding Prep Bowl® LIV, visit www.chsl.com.

Join us on October 24 as we celebrate championship football, outstanding young people, and 100 years of Catholic High School League tradition at Ford Field!