Playoff expansion is No. 1 storyline ahead of the high school football season
<p>Is it time for a new catchphrase in prep football?</p><p>For decades, coaches have talked about the “drive for five,” which refers to the number of victories generally needed to clinch an IHSA playoff berth.</p><p>But this fall, that number will change for the first time in 25 years.</p><p>That’s the biggest storyline heading into the 2026 season. Here’s a rundown of a few to watch:</p><p><b>Expanded playoffs</b></p><p>For the first time since the IHSA went from six to eight classes in 2001, the postseason field is getting bigger.</p><p>After years of debate and various proposals, IHSA member schools voted to expand the playoffs by 50% from 256 to 384 teams.</p><p>That change has led to a few more, including the earliest start to football practice in state history on Wednesday.
Reported by 1 outlet — Chicago Sun-Times. See all sources ↓
<p>Is it time for a new catchphrase in prep football?</p><p>For decades, coaches have talked about the “drive for five,” which refers to the number of victories generally needed to clinch an IHSA playoff berth.</p><p>But this fall, that number will change for the first time in 25 years.</p><p>That’s the biggest storyline heading into the 2026 season. Here’s a rundown of a few to watch:</p><p><b>Expanded playoffs</b></p><p>For the first time since the IHSA went from six to eight classes in 2001, the postseason field is getting bigger.</p><p>After years of debate and various proposals, IHSA member schools voted to expand the playoffs by 50% from 256 to 384 teams.</p><p>That change has led to a few more, including the earliest start to football practice in state history on Wednesday. This year’s regular season starts on Aug. 20 in order to accommodate an extra playoff round and still finish the postseason over Thanksgiving weekend.</p><p>The new format introduces byes for the first time in the football playoffs’ 52-year history.
Read the full report at Chicago Sun-Times ↗
Why it matters
A world story we're tracking; its significance and source trust firm up as more outlets confirm it.
- What's the story?
- <p>Is it time for a new catchphrase in prep football?</p><p>For decades, coaches have talked about the “drive for five,” which refers to the number of victories generally needed to clinch an IHSA playoff berth.</p><p>But this fall, that number will change for the first time in 25 years.</p><p>That’s the biggest storyline heading into the 2026 season. Here’s a rundown of a few to watch:</p><p><b>Expanded playoffs</b></p><p>For the first time since the IHSA went from six to eight classes in 2001, the postseason field is getting bigger.</p><p>After years of debate and various proposals, IHSA member schools voted to expand the playoffs by 50% from 256 to 384 teams.</p><p>That change has led to a few more, including the earliest start to football practice in state history on Wednesday.
- How widely is it covered?
- 1 outlet, average source rating 6.0/10.
- When was it last updated?
- 11m ago.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
Playoff expansion is No. 1 storyline ahead of the high school football season
Sources1TypeCoverageChicago Sun-Times