Ironton Barred From 2025 Playoffs, Fined $7,500

The Ohio High School Athletic Association has barred Ironton High School from the 2025 football playoffs and placed the program on probation through the 2027–28 school year for extensive, coordinated recruiting violations that included communications to influence enrollments and efforts to conceal activity. Sanctions include a one-season postseason ban, a $7,500 fine, and requirements to revise local enrollment/transfer policies and attend OHSAA compliance seminars. The team must forfeit its final regular-season game and will be placed at the bottom of Region 19 Division V ratings; some coaches face postseason suspensions next year only if they remain employed at OHSAA-member schools. The OHSAA said it will not require forfeiture of prior-season wins, so Ironton retains its 2024 Division V state championship. Ironton City Schools said it accepted the penalties after legal consultations, expressed disappointment about the impact on students and seniors, and noted the playoff ban was reduced from two years to one following advocacy.