Oregon high school football is officially back, and in Madras that means Buff Nation is gearing up for another season under the Friday night lights. The Oregon School Activities Association's 2026 football season kicks off this week with Week 0 games and jamborees around the state, with the Madras White Buffaloes set to begin their full regular season push in early September.

More Than a Game

For Madras High School, football is more than a sport — it's the heartbeat of the community each fall. Friday nights at the MHS stadium draw fans from across Jefferson County: families driving in from Metolius, Culver, Crooked River Ranch, and the Warm Springs Reservation to fill the bleachers and cheer on the Buffs. The games are equal parts athletic competition and community gathering, a tradition that anchors the county's social calendar from late August through November.

What to Watch This Season

The Buffs compete in the 4A classification out of the Tri-River Conference, one of the more competitive leagues at that level in Oregon. Heading into 2026, Madras returns a core group of experienced players with renewed determination following last year's campaign. Coaches have emphasized building physicality on both lines and sharpening the chemistry between the offense and a defense that flashed real potential in key stretches of 2025.

The Tri-River Conference features traditional rivals that keep the Buffs honest week in and week out. District play begins in mid-September, giving the team time to work through any early-season rust before conference wins and losses start to count.

Key Dates to Know

  • Week 0 / Jamborees — Late August; non-conference tune-ups
  • Regular Season Opener — Early September
  • Tri-River Conference Play Begins — Mid-September
  • OSAA Playoffs — November

Get Involved

The Buff Boosters organization — which meets the first Monday of each month at the Jefferson County Health Department — is the backbone of student-athlete support at Madras High. Boosters help fund equipment, travel, and recognition programs that keep the program running strong. New volunteers and supporters are always welcome.

Home game schedules and updates are posted through Madras High School and the OSAA website. Whether you've followed the Buffs for years or are new to Jefferson County, Friday night football is one of the best ways to get connected to the community.

Go Buffs.