Illinois High School Athletic Association (IHSA) member schools approved changes to the football playoff system, among other items on the ballot during the annual by-law referendum that finished up this week.
The all-school membership voted to expand the football playoffs from 32 teams to 48 teams per class, increasing the number of playoff qualifiers from 256 to 384. There were no changes to the number of playoff classes in football, which stays at eight. The football season start date will remain the same, August 10th, 2026, but the first regular season games will be played one week earlier, eliminating the Week One scrimmage.
Also changed was the IHSA's no-contact period in the summer. It will be moved from early August to the week of the Fourth of July beginning this summer.
Another change approved was moving the start date for softball season up one week starting in 2026. Practices for softball may now begin on February 23rd and games on March 9th.
Over 90% of the IHSA's 802 member schools took part in the vote.
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