From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 40s
2026 IHSA Class 6A Football Playoffs
Illinois high school football playoffs set for 2026 with Class 6A pairings and scores.
In brief
Illinois high school football playoffs set for 2026 with Class 6A pairings and scores. Illinois High School Association reveals Class 6A state football playoff pairings and scores for 2026, with Opening Round games scheduled for October 23-24. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
2026 IHSA Class 6A Playoffs
Illinois High School Association announces Class 6A state football playoff pairings and scores for 2026.
Opening Round Schedule
Opening Round games begin Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, with all games played on Saturday unless both schools agree to Friday.
Host Rules for Playoffs
Higher seed hosts in Opening Round; subsequent rounds host based on fewer hosting appearances, with higher seed breaking ties.
Championship Location
Class 1A through 4A title games on Friday, November 27; Class 5A through 8A title games on Saturday, November 28 at Hancock Stadium in Normal.
Class 6A Seeding
Class 6A teams are seeded #1 through #24 with seeds #1, #8 receiving an Opening Round bye.
North Region Pairings
St. Charles East (17) vs. Harlem (1), Burlington Central (9) vs. Lake Zurich (8), and other North Region matchups.
South Region Pairings
United (16) vs. Kennedy (1), Quincy (9) vs. Goode (8), and other South Region matchups.
North Region Scores
St. Charles East defeated Elk Grove 42-21, Burlington Central beat Rockford East 41-10, and other North Region results.
South Region Scores
East Moline beat Champaign Central 24-3, Quincy defeated TF South 41-7, and other South Region results.
Playoff Structure
The top 16 seeds receive a bye in the Opening Round, with winners advancing to Round 1.
What it means
Illinois High School Association reveals Class 6A state football playoff pairings and scores for 2026, with Opening Round games scheduled for October 23-24.
