The 2025 season has already etched a new chapter in Orange County football, as the county’s top rushers gear up for a highly anticipated 2026 campaign. Coaches, scouts and fans alike are watching a cohort of dynamic ball carriers who have turned statistical milestones into headline news.
Kamden Tillis of Los Alamitos stands out after leading the CIF‑SS Division 2 champion Griffins to a 1,553‑yard, 19‑touchdown season, a performance that has cemented his status as the county’s most prolific rusher.
Not far behind, Kevika Mata’utia‑Martinez of Santa Margarita surged in the postseason, racking up 736 of his 1,436 rushing yards during a championship run that earned him Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Emerging Talents and Commitments
The ripple effect of these performances is already visible in the recruiting arena, where verbal pledges and scholarship offers are flowing like never before. Jaion Smith from Santa Margarita returns as the Eagles’ leading rusher with 896 yards and nine touchdowns, and his recent USC offer underscores the national appeal of Orange County talent. Caleb Bey Jr. of Crean Lutheran, who averaged 7.8 yards per carry, is headed to Cal Poly SLO, while Asir Nembhard’s 7.1‑yard average has attracted interest from USC and UCLA. Kelton Strickland, after a mid‑season transfer, is nearing the 1,000‑yard mark, and Gavin Garza of Costa Mesa finished third in the county with 1,761 yards and 24 touchdowns, a feat that places him among the all‑time greats.
Other notable contributors include Coy Collins of Villa Park, who amassed 522 yards in just six games, and Adrian Petero of Santa Margarita, projected for a larger role in 2026 after posting 334 yards and three touchdowns. Jorden Wells of Servite blends track speed with 405 rushing yards and 16 receptions, while Aidan Faraj of Foothill earned first‑team All‑Epsilon League honors with 749 yards and eight touchdowns.