California’s Elite High School Football Teams Gear Up for 2026 Season
California’s top high school football programs jockey for position as the 2026 season looms, with historic rivalries and new matchups on the horizon.
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California’s top high school football programs jockey for position as the 2026 season looms, with historic rivalries and new matchups on the horizon.

Austin Attalah, Hudson Ploog, Logan Ploog, Nasir Walker and Ray Fenton headline a wave of newcomers set to reshape Orange County high school football this season.

The 2026 Orange County high school football schedule features marquee openings, new leadership on the sidelines and talented quarterbacks eyeing college commitments.
Marcus Fakatou, a five‑star defensive lineman from Sierra Canyon, announced his commitment to Ohio State University, picking the Buckeyes over Georgia and Texas. The decision adds to a defensive line class that already features DJ Jacobs, Wyatt Smith and Prince Goldsby, all ranked among the nation’s top 100 prospects.

Ava Irwin, celebrated for her 1,903‑yard, 27‑touchdown freshman campaign at JSerra, is set to transfer to Sierra Canyon, where she will reunite with fellow Orange Lutheran alum Makena Cook and begin a new chapter after serving a mandatory sit‑out period.

AJ McBean, a track‑star turned football prospect, has left Mira Costa for Gardena Serra as coaches across the Southern Section navigate new leadership and potential eligibility disputes.

Several high‑profile transfers in Orange County girls basketball will be prominently featured during the California Live and Section 7 exposure events, with debut games scheduled across multiple schools.

Harvard-Westlake's James Tronstein is named baseball player of the year, while JSerra's Liliana Escobar earns softball player of the year honors. Coaches Gus Rico and Matt Mowry are recognized for guiding the Patriots to a historic league title, and emerging athletes secure scholarships and new leadership roles across the region.

After a standout junior season at Crean Lutheran, Hunter Caplan has transferred to Orange Lutheran, where he will play under Coach Nate Klitzing. The move coincides with Crean Lutheran’s addition of guard Earl Bryson, an All‑County second‑team selection.

Madden Riordan, a three‑star safety from Sierra Canyon High, is quietly positioned to crack USC's starting lineup in the 2026 class, leveraging versatility, experience and loyalty.