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IHSA First-Round Playoff Pairings and Schedule for All Eight Classes
The top 16 seeds earn opening-round byes, and higher seeds host as the 2026 postseason begins with games Friday and Saturday.
- The Illinois High School Association revealed the 2026 state football tournament pairings, featuring 48 teams in each of the eight classifications competing across opening-round games beginning Friday, Oct. 23.
- Under the tournament's expanded structure, the top 16 teams in each classification receive opening-round byes, while remaining qualifiers compete to advance to the first round.
- State championship games are scheduled at Hancock Stadium in Normal, with Classes 1A through 4A playing Friday, Nov. 27, and Classes 5A through 8A playing Saturday, Nov. 28.
- Under first-year coach Drake Davis, Marquette will make its 14th consecutive playoff appearance, while Bureau Valley returns to the postseason for the first time since 2016.
- The IHSA will release official times and dates for opening-round matchups tomorrow, allowing teams to finalize preparations before games begin on Friday, Oct. 23.
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Chicago Sun TimesReposted by 
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Usa news2026 IHSA Class 6A state football playoff pairings and scores
<p>The Illinois High School Association state football playoff pairings have been revealed. The top 16 seeds receive a bye in the Opening Round.</p><p>In the Opening Round, the higher seed hosts the game. In subsequent rounds, the school that has hosted fewer times during the current playoff series hosts the game. If both teams have hosted an equal number of times, the higher seed hosts. The game must be played on Saturday, unless both schools a…
·Chicago, United States
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Total News Sources10
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 33%
C 50%
R 17%
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