DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has officially posted the playoff qualifiers for the 2026 football season in the state’s three biggest classes. With the regular season now behind us, families, coaches and fans can look forward to the upcoming round‑of‑16 matchups that will determine which teams advance toward the state championship.
Class 5A qualifiers
The 5A bracket features 16 teams, each having finished the regular season with strong records. Leading the pack are Johnston (8‑1) and Dowling Catholic, W.D.M. (8‑1), followed closely by Southeast Polk, also 8‑1. Ankeny, Indianola, Sioux City East and Cedar Falls each posted 7‑2 records, while Valley, W.D.M. (6‑3) rounds out the field. Additional qualifiers include Dallas Center‑Grimes (7‑2), Waukee Northwest (6‑3), Prairie, Cedar Rapids (7‑2), Iowa City Liberty (6‑3), Waukee (5‑4), Bettendorf (6‑3), Pleasant Valley (7‑2) and Urbandale (6‑3).
Class 4A qualifiers
In Class 4A, three undefeated programs—Xavier, Sergeant Bluff‑Luton and Carlisle—each finished 9‑0 and claim top seeds. Western Dubuque (8‑1) joins the elite group, while Lewis Central, Waverly‑Shell Rock, Glenwood and North Polk all posted 7‑2 or 6‑3 marks. The remaining qualifiers are Spencer (6‑3), Newton (6‑3), Pella (6‑3), Clear Creek‑Amana (6‑3), Davenport North (7‑2), ADM (6‑3), Ballard (6‑3) and LeMars (5‑4).
Class 3A qualifiers
Class 3A also boasts three unbeaten squads: Solon, Des Moines Christian and Clear Lake, each at 9‑0. Carroll (8‑1) and Mount Pleasant (8‑1) round out the top five. Sioux Center (8‑1) and West Delaware (7‑2) also earned spots, as did Wahlert Catholic (6‑3), Mount Vernon (7‑2), Williamsburg (6‑3), Bishop Heelan (6‑3), Assumption (6‑3), Iowa Falls‑Alden (6‑3) and Harlan (5‑4). The final qualifiers are Algona (5‑4) and Fairfield (5‑4).
What’s next?
The IHSAA will announce the specific round‑of‑16 pairings on Saturday, giving each school time to prepare for travel and game‑day logistics. Local communities are already rallying behind their teams, with many schools planning pep rallies, booster‑club events and faith‑based prayers for safety and success on the field. Parents and alumni are encouraged to attend games, support the student‑athletes and uphold the values of teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship that high school football embodies.
For a complete list of scores from the final regular‑season games and additional details on playoff scheduling, visit the IHSAA website or your local school district’s athletics page.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
