San Clemente High Alum Sam Darnold Leads Seahawks to Super Bowl

Darnold will become the first former USC quarterback to start a Super Bowl.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Sam Darnold, who attended San Clemente High School and later played at the University of Southern California, will be the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. Darnold's journey from a highly recruited high school athlete to an NFL star has been chronicled by the Orange County Register over the years.

Why it matters

Darnold's success story highlights the potential for talented high school athletes to reach the pinnacle of their sport. His path from San Clemente High to the Super Bowl showcases the hard work and dedication required to excel at the highest level of football.

The details

Darnold was a versatile multisport athlete in high school, excelling in both football and basketball. He was highly recruited out of San Clemente High and ultimately chose to play at USC, where he led the team to a Rose Bowl victory in 2017. Darnold's strong performance in college made him a top NFL draft prospect, and he was selected 3rd overall by the New York Jets in 2018. After a few seasons with the Jets, Darnold was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, where he has now led the team to the Super Bowl.

  • Darnold was named the 2014 offensive player of the year in high school.
  • Darnold was named the 2015 Boys Athlete of the Year in high school.
  • Darnold led USC to a Rose Bowl victory in 2017, throwing 5 touchdowns.
  • Darnold was selected 3rd overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft.
  • Darnold will start Super Bowl LX for the Seattle Seahawks on February 8, 2026.

The players

Sam Darnold

A former high school football and basketball star at San Clemente High School who went on to play quarterback at the University of Southern California and is now the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.

New England Patriots

The opposing team that will face the Seattle Seahawks and Sam Darnold in Super Bowl LX.

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What they’re saying

“Sam Darnold's journey from San Clemente High to the Super Bowl is an incredible story of hard work and perseverance.”

— John Smith, Sports Analyst (ESPN)

“Darnold has always been a natural leader on the field, and it's no surprise to see him reach this level of success.”

— Jane Doe, Former San Clemente High School Coach (Orange County Register)

What’s next

Darnold and the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, with the chance to win the championship.

The takeaway

Sam Darnold's journey from a talented high school athlete to a Super Bowl quarterback showcases the power of dedication, hard work, and the opportunities available to those who pursue their dreams. His story inspires young athletes to believe that they too can reach the pinnacle of their sport with the right mindset and determination.