IHSA member schools voted in favor of expansion for the state football playoffs, adding 128 teams to the postseason this fall by a statewide vote of member schools in December by a tally of 377-252, But the schools who voted later found there was a little catch.

Carmel junior quarterback and Nebraska recruit Trae Taylor announced that he will transfer to Millard South High School in Omaha for his senior football season. Taylor threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025.

Several CCL/ESCC athletes, including FND Defensive Player of the Year Kameron McGee and FND Offensive Player of the Year Israel Abrams, were selected to the 2025 MaxPreps All-American Teams.

From aiding Illinois State’s run to the FCS National Championship game to earning spots on all-conference teams for the SEC and Big Ten, several Kankakee County area football figures made their mark on the 2025-26 college football season.

Rochelle's Dylan Manning, who collapsed on the sideline after suffering a severe head injury during the team's varsity football game at Morris on Oct. 3, recently underwent a successful cranioplasty and is home from Loyola Medical Center.

Dixon High School announced on Wednesday night that assistant Brad Winterland has been hired as its new head football coach.

More than a decade after his playing career ended, Jordan Lynch is still making NIU history. Lynch was introduced as a member of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class by the National Football Foundation on Wednesday.

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Former Northern Illinois University quarterback and current Mount Carmel High School head football coach Jordan Lynch was named as a member of the 2026 National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame class.

Dixon's Jared Shaner felt like it was time to step down after a successful run leading the Dukes' football team.