From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 20s
2026 IHSA Class 5A Football Playoffs
2026 Illinois high school football playoffs: Class 5A pairings and scores revealed.
In brief
2026 Illinois high school football playoffs: Class 5A pairings and scores revealed. Illinois High School Association announces Class 5A state football playoff pairings and scores for 2026. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
2026 IHSA Class 5A Playoffs
The Illinois High School Association has revealed the 2026 Class 5A state football playoff pairings and scores.
Playoff Structure
Top 16 seeds receive a bye in the Opening Round; higher seed hosts lower seed in first round.
Opening Round Dates
Opening Round games start Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.
Championship Location
Class 5A state championship games will be held at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois.
Class 5A North Pairings
Glenbard South (1) vs. Antioch (17), Sycamore (9) vs. Belvidere (8), Lakes (20) vs. Wauconda (4).
Class 5A South Pairings
Marion (17) vs. Mahomet-Seymour (1), Corliss (9) vs. Crete-Monee (8), Lemont (13) vs. Morton (4).
North Opening Round Scores
Glenbard South defeated Payton 40-7, Sycamore beat Crystal Lake South 48-14, Lakes won 44-0 against Senn.
South Opening Round Scores
Marion defeated Bloomington 40-7, Corliss beat Champaign Centennial 18-7, Lemont won 48-6 against Peoria.
Next Round Dates
Class 5A title games will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
Playoff Rules
Higher seed hosts lower seed in subsequent rounds; if equal hosting history, higher seed hosts.
At a glance
Illinois High School Association announces Class 5A state football playoff pairings and scores for 2026.
