Playoff expansion is No. 1 storyline ahead of the high school football season

Is it time for a new catchphrase in prep football? 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. But this fall, that number will change for the first time in 25 years. That’s the biggest storyline heading into the 2026 season. Here’s a rundown of a few to watch: Expanded playoffs For the first time since the IHSA went from six to eight classes in 2001, the postseason field is getting…