Indiana is the only state that has the "all-In" format. When the change took place, it replaced the "cluster system" which was much like winning a "district" to qualify. In some instances, a team would lose a cluster game in the first game of the season and would be eliminated from playoff contention. With the number of teams playing football in Indiana high schools, an "all-In" playoff format was feasible. Truthfully, I think it is a true statement that Indiana high school football has flourished with the "all-in" system.
Indiana’s tournament is truly on where every high school football team enters and is capable of winning, but old terms die and it is still referred to as the “playoffs.” One of the biggest issues over the years that fans and coaches complain about is that with a blind draw there is often a matchup between two of the best teams during sectional play. There is an argument that this lessens the championship games by playing the best two teams first and the championship game pits teams that not well matched and fan interest diminishes.
There seems to be a dichotomy among coaches as to what is best. Some coaches believe that the current "all-in" format makes the regular season meaningless. Cathedral a class 4A team) believes that the pre-season is just a precursor to the IHSAA playoffs because they have no conference affiliation. Other coaches believe that the "all-in" system makes local conference races a focal point and enhances local rivalries. It's highly unlikely the format of the "all-in" system will be dropped for an “earn your way into a playoff system” because the "all-in" tournament is entrenched into the psyche of the Indiana high school football community.
Arguments run both ways. Many say, "You are going to have to play that team anyway, so what does it matter?" Several believe that by seeding the top 2 or even top 4 teams you would have the best teams actually playing for the championship. There is room for both arguments and honestly after the first round of the tournament, half of the teams are eliminated. In Indiana, computer ratings are done through Jeff Sagarin noted for his ability to handicap pro contests and a part of the college national rankings for BFS teams.
With remarkable accuracy, his predictions are uncanny in rating the best teams. Many believe that by using his ratings Indiana could institute a seeding system that would make a better tournament/playoff system. But there are enough who simply say "If it isn't broken, it doesn't need to be fixed.”
Other Issues that Cloud the System
Indiana has what is commonly referred to as super enrollment schools. Lately the super enrollment schools have dominated the playoffs. There is such a disparity between the smallest school in 5A and the largest school in 5A that it has created what many believe is more of an unlevel playing field than the typical parochial verses public debate that happens in many states. The smallest school in 5A lists their enrollment figure from 08-09 (the years on which classes are based) as 1551 and the largest school lists their enrollment as 4500. One can clearly see that there is an argument to be made about talent pool. Truthfully, playoff results prove the argument.
A sixth class seems to be inevitable and as early as this fall a proposal to the Indiana Athletic Association could be forth coming from the state football coaches association. For now the "all-in" system is here to stay, but many believe that it would make sense to seed the tournament.