From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 30s
2026 IHSA Class 7A Football Playoffs
Chicago Sun-Times reveals 2026 IHSA Class 7A state football playoff pairings and scores.
In brief
Chicago Sun-Times reveals 2026 IHSA Class 7A state football playoff pairings and scores. 2026 IHSA Class 7A state football playoffs begin with Opening Round games on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
2026 IHSA Class 7A Playoffs
The Illinois High School Association state football playoffs for Class 7A have been announced with pairings and scores.
Opening Round Format
Higher seeds host in the Opening Round; subsequent rounds alternate hosting based on fewer games hosted.
Playoff Schedule
Opening Round games start Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, with championship games at Hancock Stadium in Normal.
Class 7A Seeding
48 teams in Class 7A are seeded #1 through #48 with #1, #16 receiving an Opening Round bye.
Class 7A First Round Pairings
Lincoln Park vs. Normal, Glenbard East vs. Kenwood, St. Charles North vs. Brother Rice, and other matchups are scheduled.
Opening Round Scores
Edwardsville defeated Lincoln Park 42-0, Glenbard East beat Bartlett 42-14, and other games have been played.
Next Round
Winners from the Opening Round join the bye teams in Round 1 of the playoffs.
Championship Dates
Class 1A through 4A title games on Friday, Nov. 27; Class 5A through 8A title games on Saturday, Nov. 28.
Playoff Structure
In Class 1A through 6A, each half has 24 teams seeded #1 through #24 with #1, #8 receiving an Opening Round bye.
Key Matchup
Glenbard West’s Keyante Johnson (9) carries the ball against Lyons in the playoffs.
What it means
2026 IHSA Class 7A state football playoffs begin with Opening Round games on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24.
