IHSA approves proposal moving up start of 2026 football season

(WAND) - The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced Friday that it will move up the start date for the 2026 football season.

With the change, the first practice date will be Aug. 5.

Additionally, the IHSA said players must complete 12 days of on-field practices before being eligible to play in their first game.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson stated he is "confident" the change is in the "best interest" of student-athlete safety.

"We recognize that our member schools may bring forward ideas to alter the 2027 football season schedule as a result, and we welcome that. However, given that we are less than six months from the season, we believe this is a positive result that provides scheduling clarity for teams, coaches and student-athletes ahead of the 2026 season, while prioritizing safety," Anderson said in a statement.

In December, the IHSA approved a playoff expansion of 48 teams per class, which will take effect this season.

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