2026 high school football transfer tracker: Which top players are switching schools

"According to CIF rules, players who transfer and physically move along with their family are eligible immediately to play at the new school. If a player transfers and his family doesn't move, there's a sit-out period of close to 50% of the season. The date athletes become eligible in the fall after sitting out is Sept. 28, 2026, for the Southern Section and Sept. 24, 2026, for the City Section."

"There were more than 17,000 transfers statewide last school year, and football is the sport that consistently has more than any. Listed players are confirmed as having switched schools through social media or from coaches, parents or players. Their transfer eligibility remains uncertain until paperwork is submitted to the Southern Section or City Section. Names will be updated each week, with the latest at the top. Students have been known to change their minds, too, before the season begins."

"Jaden Jefferson Previous school: Cathedral New school: Corona Centennial Position: Quarterback Year in the fall of 2026: Senior Buzz: He's a small but dynamic quarterback with tremendous ability to pass and run. He has been a starter since freshman year. Quentin Hale Previous school: Cathedral New school: Corona Centennial Position: Receiver Year in the fall of 2026: Senior Buzz: Had 62 receptions and 12 touchdown catches in 2025."

A 2026 high school football transfer tracker identifies top Southern California players switching schools. There were more than 17,000 transfers statewide last school year, with football the sport registering the most moves. CIF rules grant immediate eligibility when families relocate; otherwise transfers face a sit-out period of roughly half the season, with fall return dates of Sept. 28, 2026 (Southern Section) and Sept. 24, 2026 (City Section). Listed transfers are confirmed via social media or by coaches, parents or players, but eligibility depends on completed paperwork. Listings are updated weekly and transfers can still be reversed before the season.

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