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256 Teams Set for 2025 Illinois High School Football Playoffs

10/26/2025

Summary

Story summary

The 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) football playoffs will feature 256 teams, with first-round games October 31–November 1, 2025.
Teams qualify by wins, and 156 have earned spots through conference championships or six wins.
The eight-class format places smallest enrollment teams in lower classes, with higher seeds hosting the first round.
Championships are at Hancock Stadium in Normal on November 28–29, 2025, with pairings broadcast live on various networks.

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Story summary

The 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) football playoffs will feature 256 teams, with first-round games October 31–November 1, 2025.
Teams qualify by wins, and 156 have earned spots through conference championships or six wins.
The eight-class format places smallest enrollment teams in lower classes, with higher seeds hosting the first round.
Championships are at Hancock Stadium in Normal on November 28–29, 2025, with pairings broadcast live on various networks.