From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 50s
2026 IHSA Class 8A Football Playoffs
Chicago Sun-Times reveals 2026 IHSA Class 8A state football playoff pairings and scores.
In brief
Chicago Sun-Times reveals 2026 IHSA Class 8A state football playoff pairings and scores. The Illinois High School Association has set the 2026 Class 8A state football playoff pairings and scores for the upcoming season. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
2026 IHSA Class 8A Playoffs
The Illinois High School Association has revealed the 2026 Class 8A state football playoff pairings and scores.
Playoff Structure
The top 16 seeds receive a bye in the Opening Round, with higher seeds hosting games in subsequent rounds.
Opening Round Dates
Opening Round games occur on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Championship Location
Class 1A through 4A title games will be held on Friday, November 27, 2026, at Hancock Stadium in Normal.
Class 8A Seeding
In Class 8A, the 48 teams are seeded #1 through #48, with seeds #1, #16 receiving an Opening Round bye.
Class 8A First Round
The Class 8A First Round pairings include Oak Park at Lincoln-Way East, Hinsdale Central vs. Von Steuben, and others.
Opening Round Results
Opening Round results show Oak Park-River Forest won 58-7 against East Aurora, and Hinsdale Central beat Lake Park 41-19.
Class 8A Playoffs Timeline
Class 8A title games will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, following the Opening Round and Round 1 games.
Playoff Rules
The school that has hosted fewer times during the current playoff series hosts the game unless both teams have hosted equally.
Class 8A Matchups
Class 8A matchups include Barrington at Sandburg, Naperville Central at Oswego, and Fremd at Naperville North.
Playoff Progression
The Opening Round winners join the bye teams in Round 1, with subsequent rounds following the hosting rules.
The bottom line
The Illinois High School Association has set the 2026 Class 8A state football playoff pairings and scores for the upcoming season.
