5-star Texas Tech commit faces shocking eligibility setback in California
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An elite high school football prospect was told he cannot play varsity football for his new school.
Austin Attalah, a five-star offensive line prospect for Orange Lutheran (CA) who was named to the ALL-USA Third Team Offense in the West Region, received "limited eligibility" from the CIF Southern Section in their ruling on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Attalah, who transferred from Cajon (CA), received the news that he would only be permitted to play junior varsity football or lower this school year.
Football: Orange Lutheran transfer OL Austin Attalah denied varsity eligibility by CIF-SS, per sec. website
Junior from Cajon receives "limited eligibility", Texas Tech commit can only play football on lower-levels this school yr, per CIF
OLu hasn't immediately responded to q's
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) September 2, 2026
Attalah and his family intend on appealing, according to reporting from the Orange County Register. The Southern Section’s appeal process goes through the CIF State office.
Attalah has yet to play for the Lancers, which started the year with a loss to Miami Central (FL) before rebounding and beating Cathedral Catholic in Week 2. Orange Lutheran will take on No. 14 Basha (AZ) tonight.
Attalah, who is 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds, committed to Texas Tech on Aug. 27 on The Pat McAfee Show.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5-star Texas Tech commit faces shocking eligibility setback in California
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