OMAHA, NE. — Football season is back in Omaha, but new data shows fewer athletes are suiting up across Nebraska.
New data from the Nebraska School Activities Association reveals a 14.7% decrease in high school football athletes from 2008 to 2025 — a loss of 2,073 athletes in 17 years.
Nate Neuhaus, NSAA football assistant director, said the trend is concerning.
"I fear we are losing some of the interest in education-based high school opportunities," Neuhaus said.
Neuhaus said decreasing interest, fewer multi-sport athletes, and competition from private clubs are driving the decline.
"We are seeing more of this 'club' or 'pay-for-play' concept leading to a bigger interest because they think it's going to give them a better opportunity — and maybe it does — to play at the next level," Neuhaus said.
The data from NSAA also shows a drop in 11-man football teams, from 170 in 2008 to 132 in 2025.
Neuhaus said that shift is not entirely unexpected.
"That part is not a huge surprise because we are seeing more and more schools, which means more and more students playing eight-and six-man football," Neuhaus said.
At Omaha Christian High School, seniors are gearing up for their season opener. Senior football player Nathan Friesen said the team is ready.
"We have put a lot of work in, and I am just really glad to be able to play football, and I'm super excited," Friesen said.
OCHS Athletic Director Charles Wilson said competing at the eight-man level has its own advantages.
"Playing at this level is great for them because they get a chance to be a family together, and no matter how small our numbers are, it still creates a lot of community," Wilson said.
Senior wide receiver Connor Norton echoed that sentiment.
"It's great. I've known these kids for a while, and it's great playing with them," Norton said.
Cheer captain Ema-jen Ralph said the team's unity has her optimistic about the season ahead.
"There is so much unity on this team so far this season, I think it's just going to be an amazing season and an amazing game," Ralph said.
Lily Podany, a senior cheerleader and flyer, was optimistic.
"Go, Omaha Christian — we are going to do so good!" Podany said.
