News Summary

As the high school football season approaches, Southern California has experienced a notable increase in player transfers, with over 17,000 students switching schools last year, predominantly for football. CIF regulations influence player eligibility, resulting in strategic decisions for schools finalizing their rosters. Prominent players are moving between programs, raising questions about team dynamics. Major programs, including Mater Dei, are witnessing a wave of transfers, potentially impacting team performance as the season nears.

Los Angeles

As high school football season approaches, Southern California has witnessed a significant surge in player transfers, with over 17,000 students statewide making the switch last year alone. An extensive number of these transfers are associated with football, raising questions about team dynamics and player eligibility across high schools.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) regulations indicate that players who transfer schools as part of a family move are immediately eligible to compete for their new teams. However, those who transfer without relocating their families face a sit-out period of nearly 50% of the upcoming season. This rule adds a layer of strategy and planning for schools as they finalize their rosters.

Important eligibility dates for this year include September 29, 2025, for the Southern Section and September 25, 2025, for the City Section, setting the stage for upcoming competitions and roster alignments.

Among notable player movements, several prominent athletes are confirmed to have switched schools in recent weeks:

• Running back from Loyola to Orange Lutheran, a Senior committed to Northwestern.
• Defensive back from Loyola to Sierra Canyon, a Senior committed to USC.
• Receiver transferring from St. Bonaventure to Newbury Park, a Sophomore who had an impressive 34 receptions as a freshman.
• Junior lineman moving from St. Paul to Gardena Serra, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 300 pounds.
• Senior tight end transferring from Lakewood to Bishop Montgomery, previously having caught 10 touchdowns as a junior and committed to Texas A&M.
• Quarterback relocating from JSerra to Newport Harbor, a Junior who served as a backup QB last season.
• Quarterback switching from Loyola to Villa Park, a Junior who started during the playoffs.
• Defensive back moving from Long Beach Wilson to Crean Lutheran, a Junior who achieved three interceptions last season.
• Senior defensive lineman transitioning from Bishop Gorman to Crean Lutheran, who made a notable impact with nine sacks last year.
• Sophomore linebacker transferring from Hamilton to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, who is recognized for being All-City as a freshman, standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 235 pounds.
• Receiver now transferring from Ontario Christian to Huntington Beach, a Junior standing at 6 feet 5 inches who caught 34 passes.
• Junior kicker moving from Chaminade to Sierra Canyon, expected to showcase considerable talent in the upcoming games.
• Senior receiver transitioning from Warren to Cathedral, who caught six touchdowns over the last season.
• Senior lineman moving from Loyola to Long Beach Poly, weighing in at 315 pounds and received second-team honors in the Mission League.
• Receiver now transferring from Bishop Alemany to Palisades, noted for being among the fastest in Southern California.
• Senior defensive back shifting from Tustin to Sierra Canyon, who is committed to Kansas.
• Quarterback moving from Fairfax to Salesian, marking this as his third school.
• Senior running back transferring from Inglewood to Bishop Montgomery, who rushed for nearly 800 yards as a junior.
• Running back moving from Long Beach Poly to Servite, noted for scoring six touchdowns as a sophomore.

Major high school programs such as Mater Dei have also seen an influx of transfers, with both offensive and defensive players switching schools to join more prestigious programs. As the season nears, rosters will continue to evolve, with these transfers having the potential to significantly impact team performances. Updates to this transfer tracker will be made weekly to reflect the latest changes in player eligibility and school assignments, keeping fans informed on their favorite teams and players in the Southern California high school football landscape.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Saddleback Football Program Undergoes Revival with New Coach
Recap of High School Sports in Orange County
Federal Judge Approves $2.8 Billion Antitrust Settlement in College Athletics
Indiana Football Secures Commitments from Top Prospects
Titus Miller Named Defensive Scout Team Player of the Week
Rob Thompson Returns as Head Coach to Revitalize Saddleback Football
Mission Viejo Football Aims for Redemption in 2025

Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: High School Football Transfer Tracker
• Sports Illustrated: USC Trojans Recruiting Transfers
• USC Annenberg Media: Trojan Transfers Live Tracker
• OC Register: USC Football Transfer Portal Tracker
• 247Sports: USC Transfer Running Back Waymond Jordan
• Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
• Google Search: High School Football Transfers
• Google Scholar: High School Football Transfer Rules
• Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
• Google News: High School Football Transfer News