The CMAC Shakes Up Ohio High School Sports: 5 Crucial Updates For The 2025-2026 Season

The Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference (CMAC) is currently undergoing one of its most significant structural changes in years, positioning the league for a highly competitive 2025-2026 athletic calendar. As of today, December 17, 2025, the conference is solidifying its roster and celebrating a wave of recent championships, reflecting its core mission to provide robust athletic and academic opportunities for high school student-athletes across the Cincinnati area. The CMAC, primarily composed of Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), continues to be a vital hub for developing young talent and fostering intense local rivalries in sports ranging from football and basketball to emerging competitive programs like flag football and bowling.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the most recent, up-to-date developments within the CMAC, focusing on the fresh realignment news, the current member school list, and the champions who dominated the 2024-2025 seasons. The conference's commitment to growth and excellence is evident in its strategic moves, including the notable addition of a new full-time member school that will reshape the competitive landscape for years to come. Understanding these changes is crucial for any fan or follower of Southwest Ohio high school sports.

The 2025-2026 CMAC Member Schools and Key Realignment

The Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference is a dynamic league, often adjusting its membership to ensure competitive balance and geographic accessibility for its student-athletes. For the 2025-2026 school year, the conference is officially registered with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) with a total of 13 member schools. The most impactful news revolves around a major new addition and a temporary football-only agreement set to expire.

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A Complete Roster of CMAC High Schools (2025-2026)

The CMAC serves as the primary athletic home for many Cincinnati Public Schools, fostering intense local competition. The current roster of full-time member schools includes:

• Aiken High School
• Cincinnati College Prep Academy (CCPA)
• DePaul Cristo Rey High School
• Gamble Montessori High School
• Hughes High School
• Oyler School
• Shroder High School
• Spencer High School
• Taft High School
• Western Hills High School
• Withrow High School

The Major New Addition: Talawanda High School

The most significant structural change for the CMAC is the addition of Talawanda High School, located in Oxford, Ohio. Talawanda is transitioning from the Southwest Ohio Conference (SWOC) and is set to join the CMAC in all sports *except* football. This move is a major development for the conference, increasing its overall competitive scope and expanding its geographic footprint into Butler County. The addition of a larger, established program like Talawanda will elevate the level of competition across multiple sports, creating new rivalries and challenges for existing member schools.

Football-Only Membership and Future Outlook

In addition to the full-time members, the CMAC has maintained a unique football-only affiliation with the Dayton Christian Warriors. This agreement, which has been in place since 2019, is scheduled to conclude after the 2026 season. This temporary membership helps to ensure a robust football schedule for the CMAC schools while providing a competitive environment for Dayton Christian. The upcoming seasons will be the last to feature this specific inter-conference matchup.

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Recent CMAC Champions and 2024-2025 Season Highlights

The 2024-2025 athletic year has already produced several standout performances and championship titles across the CMAC, highlighting the depth of talent within the league. The conference’s success is not limited to traditional sports but extends to emerging programs as well.

Fall Sports Dominance: Soccer and Football

The Western Hills Mustangs had a particularly dominant fall season, securing both the boys' and girls' CMAC Soccer Championships. This dual-championship performance underscores the strength of the soccer program at Western Hills High School. In football, the CMAC remains a hotbed for talent, with numerous athletes receiving regional and state attention. The highly competitive nature of CMAC football was further showcased by the championship-winning performance of the Taft Junior High Football team, indicating a strong pipeline of talent for the varsity program.

Winter Sports and Emerging Competitions

As the winter sports season progresses, the CMAC Boys Basketball standings for the 2025-2026 season are already beginning to take shape, with teams like Aiken, Hughes, and Withrow vying for the top spots. Beyond the traditional court sports, the CMAC actively celebrates participation in emerging competitive sports, a commitment recognized through the annual Commissioner’s Award.

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The Prestigious CMAC Commissioner’s Award

The CMAC Commissioner’s Award is a special recognition created to celebrate student-athletes participating in sports that are considered "emerging" across the league’s member schools. This award highlights the conference's dedication to inclusivity and the growth of diverse athletic programs.

2024-2025 Award Recipients

The latest recipients of this prestigious award for the 2024-2025 season include two exceptional athletes from different schools and emerging sports:

• Ashyia Ross, representing Flag Football from Cincinnati College Prep Academy (CCPA), Class of 2025.
• Asahd Siatawi, representing Bowling from Spencer High School.

These awards are a testament to the fact that athletic excellence and leadership are found across the entire spectrum of CMAC sports, encouraging more students to explore new competitive avenues like Flag Football and Bowling.

Why the CMAC is Crucial for Cincinnati High School Athletics

The Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference is more than just a collection of sports teams; it is a pillar of the local high school athletic community. Its structure, primarily serving Cincinnati Public Schools, ensures that students have access to competitive sports regardless of their school's size or location within the metropolitan area. The focus is on providing opportunities for academic and athletic achievement, often serving as a direct pathway for student-athletes to pursue collegiate sports.

The recent realignment with Talawanda High School demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to conference management, seeking to strengthen the league's competitive profile by strategically adding programs that align with its mission. The CMAC continues to be a proving ground for young talent, with numerous athletes earning scholarships and moving on to play at the college level, a key metric of the conference's overall success.

As the 2025-2026 seasons unfold, fans can expect intense competition, particularly in football, boys basketball, and girls volleyball. The addition of Talawanda will bring fresh energy and new rivalries, making the CMAC a must-watch conference in Southwest Ohio high school sports. Keep an eye on the standings and the Commissioner’s Award announcements for the latest in this ever-evolving athletic landscape.