There will be lots of changes with regard to Arkansas Activities Association conference alignment in the 2024-2026 cycle.
In Class 2A, the 2A-2 will pick up Izard County Consolidated in the upcoming cycle. The Cougars spent the last two seasons in 8-man and will be playing 11-man football for the first time. Former 2A-2 member Clarendon moves to the 2A-4 for the next two seasons.
Perhaps the most notable and sure to be talked about move is in Class 3A, where Conference 3 will be welcoming back former members Harrisburg and 2023 Class 4A football semifinalist Rivercrest. Also joining the conference will be current 3A-2 member Newport. Former 3A-3 member Palestine-Wheatley will be a member of the 3A-8 for the upcoming cycle.
The 4A-3, which loses Harrisburg and Rivercrest, will add Batesville-Southside which moves back down to Class 4A for football after competing in Class 5A in ‘22-’24.
One notable move in Class 4A involves defending football state champion Harding Academy. The Wildcats move up a classification to Class 5A, where they will be come a member of the 5A East.
The following are the local classification conferences and their member schools for the upcoming cycle.
In Class 2A, Conference 2 will be comprised of Cross County, Des Arc, Earle, East Poinsett County, Izard County, Lee County, Marked Tree and McCrory.
The 3A-3 Conference teams will be Harrisburg, Hoxie, Manila, Newport, Osceola, Piggott, Rivercrest and Walnut Ridge.
The members of the 4A-4 will be Batesville-Southside, Blytheville, Cave City, Gosnell, Highland, Jonesboro-Westside, Pocahontas and Trumann.