From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 10s
2026 IHSA State Football Playoffs
Illinois high school football playoffs set for 2026 with opening round on Oct 23-24.
In brief
Illinois high school football playoffs set for 2026 with opening round on Oct 23-24. Illinois high school football playoffs begin October 23 with 8 classes competing for state championships. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
2026 IHSA State Football Playoffs
Illinois high school football playoffs have been announced for 2026 with 8 classes competing.
Opening Round Dates
Opening Round games begin Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Championship Location
State championship games will be held at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Illinois.
Class 1A-4A Title Games
Class 1A through 4A title games will take place on Friday, November 27, 2026.
Class 5A-8A Title Games
Class 5A through 8A title games will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
Seeding System
In Class 7A and 8A, 48 teams are seeded #1 through #48 with top 16 receiving a bye.
Class 1A-6A Seeding
In Class 1A through 6A, each half has 24 teams seeded #1 through #24 with top 8 receiving a bye.
Playoff Structure
Opening Round winners join bye teams in Round 1 to advance to the next round.
The main idea
Illinois high school football playoffs begin October 23 with 8 classes competing for state championships.
