Preseason Illinois Small-School Football Digest
Preseason Digest: 2026-27 Season
This digest covers the preseason rankings for the 2026-27 Illinois high school football season. The data is based on the initial rankings poll dated August 20, 2026, and published by Illinois Running News on August 27, 2026. As this is the first poll of the season, no teams have records, points, or first-place votes recorded yet. Additionally, no game scores or results are currently available from IHSA’s posted data for any class.
Class 1A Rankings
Per the IHSA rankings poll, Eureka is the preseason favorite in Class 1A, holding the number one spot. East Dubuque and Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central) round out the top three. Other notable teams in the top ten include St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden), Clinton, El Paso (E.P.-Gridley), Elmwood, Monticello, Pinckneyville, and Bloomington (Central Catholic). The full list of 25 ranked teams extends down to Pleasant Plains at number 25.
Class 2A Rankings
In Class 2A, Dixon (H.S.) leads the preseason rankings. Morton is ranked second, followed by Peoria (Notre Dame) in third place. The top ten also includes Deerfield (H.S.), Aurora (Central Catholic), Washington, Mahomet (M.-Seymour), Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South), Lincoln, and Maple Park (Kaneland). The rankings continue through 25 teams, with Lemont (H.S.) finishing the list at number 25.
Class 3A Rankings
Plainfield (South) is the top-ranked team in Class 3A for the upcoming season. Elmhurst (York) and Downers Grove (North) follow in second and third, respectively. Chicago (Lane) and Winnetka (New Trier) complete the top five. The top ten also features Hinsdale (Central), Mt. Prospect (Prospect), St. Charles (North), Palatine (Fremd), and Arlington Heights (Hersey). The poll ranks 25 teams in total, ending with Yorkville (H.S.) at number 25.
Storylines to Watch
With the season just beginning, the primary storyline is how these preseason favorites perform in their opening games. Since no scores are currently posted, the first week of play will determine if teams like Eureka, Dixon, and Plainfield South can translate their preseason hype into early wins. Additionally, the depth in each class, particularly in 2A and 3A where multiple strong programs are clustered in the top ten, suggests competitive races for the top spots in the coming weeks.