From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 40s
2026 IHSA Class 2A State Football Playoffs
Illinois high school football playoffs set for 2026 with Class 2A pairings and scores.
In brief
Illinois high school football playoffs set for 2026 with Class 2A pairings and scores. Illinois High School Association reveals Class 2A state football playoff pairings and scores for 2026. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
2026 IHSA Class 2A Playoffs
Illinois High School Association reveals Class 2A state football playoff pairings and scores for 2026.
Playoff Structure
Top 16 seeds receive a bye in the Opening Round; higher seed hosts game unless both teams have hosted equally.
Opening Round Dates
Opening Round games start Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.
Championship Location
Class 1A through 4A title games at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois.
Class 7A and 8A Seeding
48 teams seeded #1 through #48; seeds #1, #16 receive Opening Round bye.
Class 1A through 6A Seeding
Each 24-team half seeded #1 through #24; seeds #1, #8 receive Opening Round bye.
Class 2A North Pairings
Eastland-Pearl City (17) vs Riverdale (1), Illini West (9) vs Peotone (8), Bismarck-Henning (13) vs Tri-Valley (4), Farmington (12) vs Wilmington (5).
Class 2A South Pairings
Carlinville (16) vs Johnston City (1), Chester (9) vs Newton (8), DuQuoin (13) vs Nashville (4), Hamilton County (12) vs Vandalia (5).
Opening Round North Scores
Eastland-Pearl City 42, Beardstown 14; Illini West 48, West Hancock 6; Bismarck-Henning 51, Marshall 14.
Opening Round South Scores
Carlinville 35, Riverton 28; Chester 55, Wesclin 14; DuQuoin 35, Christopher-Ziegler-Royalton 0.
Next Steps
Opening Round winners join bye teams in Round 1; championship games on Nov. 27 and 28.
The short version
Illinois High School Association reveals Class 2A state football playoff pairings and scores for 2026.
