Who are the winningest active head football coaches in the IHSA? As the 2026 season approaches, Friday Night Drive has listed the state's winningest active coaches.

Despite missing the IHSA playoffs in each of the last two seasons, St. Ignatius has brought home consecutive Prep Bowl titles. Connor Hites and Connor Wanzung, who each hold Division I offers, are ready to lead the Wolfpack back to the playoffs in 2026.

Football players from La Salle-Peru and Ottawa had the opportunity to gain recruiting exposure by participating in IHSA combines, which are new this spring.

Alex Wollschlaeger did not play football his junior year of high school at Oswego East because of a broken collarbone. He had just one college scholarship offer. And now? He will be heading for New Orleans next week, an NFL contract from the Saints in hand.

He grew up in Nigeria and started playing football when he was 11 years old. Now, St. Patrick junior defensive lineman David Folorunsho, who led the Shamrocks to the CCL/ESCC Purple title in 2025, is a five-star recruit and one of the top-ranked prospects in the country.

Quinn Urwiler will be reunited with former coach Thomas Hammock in Seattle, as the former NIU linebacker will attend Seattle's minicamp. Urwiler was one of three 2025 NIU players to get a shot at the pros, along with Donte Harrison (Baltimore) and Cyrus McGarrell (CFL's Montreal)

Behind a dominant defensive line and a powerful running game, Brother Rice won its first state football championship since 1981. Returning juniors Brayden Parks and Ethan Posey, both Division I prospects, will continue anchoring the trenches as the Crusaders prepare for 2026.

Byron senior Caden Considine has committed to continue his football career at the University of Illinois and the Fighting Illini after helping lead his high school Tigers to two state championships. He recently visited Shaw Local for a Q&A on his playing career.

Jason Fowler showed up to the spring game draft in a suit and tie. He was picked first among the tight ends. Then he proved he belonged. How the NIU redshirt sophomore is emerging as the team's top tight end.