Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Mount Carmel football on IHSA probation; coach Jordan Lynch suspended
A famous high school football team in Illinois got in trouble with the group that makes the rules for school sports.
The rule says football teams can only wear all their pads on the sixth day of practice.
A picture taken too early showed the Mount Carmel players wearing full pads.
The school quickly told the rule group about its mistake and agreed with the punishment.
The head coach, Jordan Lynch, has to sit out two days of practice.
The team is also on a watch list for the rest of the season.
Coach Lynch is a very successful coach who has won many championships with this team.
Even with the punishment, the team is still ranked number one in the state.
They will still play their big first game of the season against another strong team.
The rule is meant to keep players safe and make sure all teams play fairly.
The Illinois High School Association placed Mount Carmel's football program on probation for the remainder of the 2026 season and suspended head coach Jordan Lynch from practices on August 17 and 18.
The sanctions stem from an August 8 photo showing Mount Carmel athletes working out in what appeared to be full gear, violating an IHSA rule barring full pads until the sixth day of practice.
Mount Carmel self-reported the violation to the IHSA on August 12 and submitted a corrective action plan and self-imposed sanctions, which the association accepted.
Lynch, in his ninth season at his alma mater with an 89-12 career record and four consecutive IHSA state championships, will miss practices on August 17 and 18.
Mount Carmel, ranked No. 1 in Illinois and No. 17 nationally by Rivals, opens its season August 22 against East St. Louis at Hancock Stadium in Normal.
IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said the policy exists to protect high school football athletes and ensure a competitive playing field, and that the sanctions match prior cases.
- Who
- Mount Carmel's football program, head coach Jordan Lynch, and the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) led by executive director Craig Anderson.
- What
- Mount Carmel was placed on probation for the 2026 season and Jordan Lynch was suspended from practices on August 17 and 18 for a practice rules violation.
- When
- Practice began August 5, the photo was shared August 8, and Mount Carmel self-reported the violation to the IHSA on August 12.
- Where
- Illinois; the season opener is scheduled at Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University in Normal.
- Why
- The team appeared to practice in full pads before the sixth day of practice, violating an IHSA policy meant to protect athletes and keep the playing field competitive.
- Sanction
- Probation for the remainder of the 2026 season
- Coach sanction
- Jordan Lynch suspended from practices on August 17-18
- Violation
- Full pads worn before the sixth day of practice
- Practice start date
- August 5, 2026
- Photo date
- August 8
- Self-report date
- August 12
- Coach's record
- 89-12 with four consecutive IHSA state championships
- Season opener
- August 22 vs. East St. Louis at Hancock Stadium, Normal