Sports
IHSA Expands Football Playoffs: McHenry Co. Coaches Weigh In
McHenry County coaches express both excitement and concern as the IHSA adds 128 teams to the state football playoffs starting in 2026.
MCHENRY COUNTY, IL —Illinois high school football is about to look a lot different next season after the IHSA voted to expand the state playoff field from 256 teams to 384, adding 16 qualifiers in each class starting in 2026.
Coaches from across McHenry County shared mixed reactions to the change, with some embracing the opportunity for more teams and communities to experience postseason football,Shaw Local is reporting.
Cary‑Grove head coach Brad Seaburg said he was not in favor of the IHSA’s playoff expansion, according to the article.
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"The Illinois high school football playoff system was special,and advancing to the playoffs was an accomplishment. Watering down the playoff field only takes away from what it meant to ‘make the playoffs.’ When we were 3-6 [in 2022] and didn’t make the tournament, it only fueled our program to work harder.”
Meanwhile, Jacobs High School coach Brian Zimmerman says he's "kind of impartial" to the change.
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