Smaller schools struggling with low football player numbers are turning to eight-man football as a solution, with 28 teams in Illinois already making the switch. The format allows schools to have full seasons and accommodate rosters of 20 players who would struggle to play a traditional 11 on 11 season.

The adoption of eight-man football addresses the challenge of declining player numbers in high school football programs, providing struggling schools with an opportunity to sustain their teams and seasons.

• 28 teams in Illinois have transitioned to eight-man football as of the 2023 season.
• An enrollment of 300 is the largest a school can have to play eight-man football.

• Schools struggling with fewer players are considering eight-man football as an option.
• No schools in the area officially applied to participate in eight-man football for 2024, but the format is expected to gain popularity in Southern Illinois.

The growth in popularity of eight-man football is expected to lead to some interest among Southern Illinois schools, potentially resulting in the creation of their own leagues and conferences to compete in.