The preseason rankings are out for the Illinois Coaches Association poll. In class 1A, the top four teams in the poll are the same four teams that were in the final four in 2025. Last spring’s champs, Carrolton, is the #1 team to start this season, as well. Locally in the 1A poll, Illini Bluffs, the 2024 state runnerup is ranked #5. Prairieland Conference member Havana is #6. The Lincoln Trail Conference is represented by West Central at #8 and 2023 state champ, Ridgewood, at #15.
Class 2A defending champion Beecher is #1 in the opening 2A poll. Last year’s runner-up, Carterville, is #2. The six-team Three Rivers Athletic Conference’s West Division has 3 schools in the top 17, led by Rockridge at #7. Riverdale is #14 and Sherrard is #17. Prairieland Conference member Brimfield/Elmwood is #7.
No surprise, the Peoria-area is well-represented in class 3A. Dunlap is #4, East Peoria #8, Washington is #9 and Metamora is #14. Western Big Six Conference member Geneseo is receiving votes in 3A. The Western Big Six also has a team ranked in the 4A poll. Rock Island checks in at #16.
***Poll courtesy of ICSsoftball.org***
