Organizers of the Oil Bowl Classic, believed to be the longest-running high school football all-star game in the United States, announced the 2026 game is canceled. The event would have been the 89th annual edition.
The future of the football game beyond 2026 is unclear.
History
First played in 1938, the Oil Bowl Classic once pitted graduating seniors from Texas high schools against graduating seniors from Oklahoma high schools. Starting in 2014, Oklahoma student-athletes no longer competed, and the event shifted to an East vs. West format featuring only Texas players.
Over the years, the all-star festivities have raised funds for charities including the North Texas Rehabilitation Center and Shriners Hospital for Children. Basketball all-star games joined the schedule in the late 1990s, returned permanently in 2018, and a volleyball all-star game was added in 2019.
What continues
The Maskat Shrine is moving forward with its annual volleyball and basketball all-star games, scheduled for June 5 and 6.