The IHSA and MaxPreps have unveiled the 2026 high school football schedules for Illinois. This season will wrap up with the IHSA Football State Finals on November 27-28, 2026, at Hancock Stadium. Due to a recent vote, the playoffs will expand significantly, increasing playoff qualifiers from 256 to 384 teams across eight classes. Each class will now feature 48 qualifiers, a notable change since 1985. The regular season commences on August 20-22, with qualifiers announced during a live telecast on October 17.

By the Numbers
  • The total playoff qualifiers increase from 256 to 384 teams.
  • Each class playoff bracket grows from 32 to 48 qualifiers.
Yes, But

Some may argue that the expansion of playoff teams may dilute the quality of competition, as more teams will have the opportunity to enter the postseason.

State of Play
  • The regular season spans nine weeks, beginning August 20-22.
  • Playoffs will feature five rounds, culminating in state finals at the end of November.
What's Next

As teams prepare for the 2026 season, fans can expect increased excitement and competition, with more high schools vying for playoff spots. This shift may also impact team strategies as they aim to secure a place in the expanded playoff system.

Bottom Line

The expansion of the playoff format presents both opportunities and challenges for high school football in Illinois, emphasizing the evolving landscape of sports in the state. The heightened competition could lead to memorable matchups and enhance fan engagement throughout the season.