Colorado HS sports seeding gets MaxPreps upgrade

Colorado high school sports will exclusively utilize MaxPreps ratings for rankings and playoff seeding, beginning with the fall 2026 season. This significant change eliminates the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), which was previously half of the seeding formula. The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) Board of Directors unanimously approved this move, citing data that indicated MaxPreps ratings are more accurate.

The CHSAA has used RPI for seeding since at least 2015, incorporating MaxPreps ratings in 2022. While RPI considers winning percentages and opponent records, MaxPreps ratings factor in scoring margins and broader comparative results across the state. The board monitored the effectiveness of both systems and found MaxPreps to be a better predictor of outcomes.

Conference champions will continue to receive automatic postseason berths. MaxPreps ratings will then determine and seed the remaining at-large spots. To prevent manipulation, CHSAA has established margin-of-victory caps across various sports, ranging from 5 goals in soccer to 28 points in football and flag football. This new system will apply to sports like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, among others, for the 2026-2028 school years.