Statewide Rankings Overview
The Illinois Media has unveiled its preseason high school football rankings for the 2026 season, offering a snapshot of expectations across the state's divisions.
In Class 8A, Chicago Mount Carmel tops the list with 80 points, followed closely by Oswego and Bolingbrook, who earned 64 and 59 points respectively, underscoring a deep talent pool in the state's premier division.
Class 6A sees East St. Louis leading with 110 points, ahead of LaGrange Park Nazareth and Oak Park Fenwick, reflecting the program's recent dominance.
Class 1A Spotlight
Byron claims the top spot in Class 3A with 92 points, and Wilmington leads Class 2A with 98 points, while Lena‑Winslow sits at the summit of Class 1A with 97 points, and Calhoun is positioned fourth in that class.
Overall, the rankings feature ten teams in each class, painting a picture of a densely packed competitive landscape where even mid‑tier programs receive notable vote totals.