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Orange Lutheran offensive tackle Austin Attalah has been denied varsity eligibility in football this season following his transfer from Cajon, the CIF Southern Section ruled Wednesday.

Attalah, a junior who enrolled at Orange Lutheran in late July, received “limited eligibility” from the section that would allow him to only play football at the junior varsity level or lower this school year.

The ruling is listed on the section’s transfer database.

Attalah, who is 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds, committed to Texas Tech on Aug. 27. He is ranked by Rivals/On3 as California’s No. 2 recruit in the Class of 2028 behind Rancho Bernardo safety Gaige Weddle.

Giving all the glory to god! I am very blessed and grateful for being able to announce my commitment to @TexasTechFB on @PatMcAfeeShow thank you for everyone who was watching! I’m excited to get back to work and grind! WRECK E’M @adamgorney @BenjaminGolan @JoeyMcGuireTTU pic.twitter.com/fmARG6WdlT

— Austin Attalah (@AustinAttalah) August 27, 2026

The Southern Section’s transfer website doesn’t state why Attalah received limited eligibility.

Orange Lutheran athletic director Karen Kekipi stated Wednesday that she couldn’t comment on “specifics.” She added that the Trinity League school has been informed that “the family intends to appeal.”

“Because this is an individual student matter, and the process remains ongoing, we won’t comment further on the specifics,” Kekipi stated. “We have and will respect CIF’s role and will continue to work through the established process.”

The Register reached out to Attalah’s business representative for comment.

The Southern Section’s appeal process goes the CIF State office.

Attalah transferred to Cajon before last football season. He observed a sitout period with Cajon, according to the section transfer database. The ruling was made Aug. 4, 2025.

Attalah has not played this season for Orange Lutheran, Lancers coach Ray Fenton confirmed.

Orange Lutheran (1-1) opened its season with a 23-22 loss against Miami Central of Florida on Aug. 21. The Lancers defeated Cathedral Catholic 38-24 last week.

Orange Lutheran, ranked No. 4 in Orange County, plays host to nationally-ranked Basha of Arizona (1-0) on Friday at Orange Coast College.

Please send football news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or at @ocvarsityguy