2026 High School Football Transfer Update: A Look at Top Players Changing Teams

High School Football Transfer Tracker Launched for 2026 Season

The 2026 high school football transfer tracker has been introduced to monitor the movement of prominent players changing schools across Southern California. Last year, California recorded over 17,000 transfers, with football experiencing the highest numbers among all sports.

Under California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) regulations, players who relocate with their families are eligible to compete immediately at their new schools. Conversely, those who transfer without moving must adhere to a sit-out period of nearly half the season. For the upcoming fall, eligibility dates are set for September 28, 2026, for the Southern Section and September 24, 2026, for the City Section.

The players listed in the tracker are confirmed transfers sourced from social media and communications with coaches, parents, or the athletes themselves. Their eligibility will remain uncertain until the necessary documentation is filed with the Southern Section or City Section. Updates to the list will occur weekly, with the most recent transfers appearing at the top. It is worth noting that players may reconsider their decisions before the season commences.

Player Transfers

Jaden Jefferson

• Previous School: Cathedral
• New School: Corona Centennial
• Position: Quarterback
• Year in Fall 2026: Senior
• Buzz: Jefferson is a versatile quarterback known for his passing and running abilities, having been a starter since his freshman year.

Quentin Hale

• Previous School: Cathedral
• New School: Corona Centennial
• Position: Receiver
• Year in Fall 2026: Senior
• Buzz: Notable for his performance in 2025, Hale recorded 62 receptions and 12 touchdown catches.

Simote Tupou

• Previous School: Henderson (Nev.) Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon
• New School: St. John Bosco
• Position: Defensive Line
• Year in Fall 2026: Junior
• Buzz: Tupou demonstrated his impact on the field with 19 sacks during his sophomore year, standing at 6-1 and weighing 230 pounds.

Koa Smith-Mayall

• Previous School: JSerra
• New School: Santa Margarita
• Position: Quarterback
• Year in Fall 2026: Senior
• Buzz: Smith-Mayall briefly held the starting quarterback position at JSerra and has shown resilience in overcoming injuries early in his high school career.

Cruz Nunez

• Previous School: JSerra
• New School: Santa Margarita
• Position: Linebacker
• Year in Fall 2026: Senior
• Buzz: Nunez made a significant contribution as a junior with 15 solo tackles.

As the transfer period unfolds, the tracker will serve as a vital resource for following the changing landscape of high school football talent in Southern California.