La Costa Canyon QB Quinn Roth Heads to College of San Mateo

The first-team All-CIF quarterback will enroll at the junior college with hopes of getting bigger and better for the next level.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Quinn Roth, a 6-foot-4, 180-pound quarterback from La Costa Canyon High School, has announced that he will enroll at College of San Mateo, a two-year junior college program, following his stellar high school career. Recruiters had concerns about Roth's size, but the school's head coach is confident that with work and time, Roth's body will be transformed.

Why it matters

College of San Mateo is known as one of California's best junior college football programs, having won three of the last four state titles. The program has produced several notable alumni, including NFL players like Julian Edelman and coaches like Ted Tollner. Roth's decision to attend the school highlights the importance of the junior college pathway for some high school athletes looking to develop and improve before potentially transferring to a four-year university.

The details

Roth threw for 2,193 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior at La Costa Canyon, leading the team to a 9-2 record. He finished his high school career with 4,677 passing yards and 64 touchdowns. Despite his impressive stats, recruiters were concerned about Roth's thin frame, but the College of San Mateo head coach, Tim Tulloch, believes Roth has a 'huge upside' and that with hard work, his body will be transformed.

  • Roth announced his college commitment on Wednesday, the opening of the NCAA's regular season signing period.

The players

Quinn Roth

A 6-foot-4, 180-pound quarterback from La Costa Canyon High School who had a stellar high school career, throwing for 4,677 yards and 64 touchdowns.

Tim Tulloch

The head football coach at College of San Mateo, a junior college program known for its success, having won three of the last four state titles.

Sean Sovacool

The head coach at La Costa Canyon High School, who praised Roth's arm, vision, and leadership abilities, while noting that he needs to add weight.

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What they’re saying

“Quinn is awesome. We're excited to have him. We've heard all the talk that he's thin, but he has a huge upside. All it takes is work and time and his body will be transformed.”

— Tim Tulloch, Head Football Coach, College of San Mateo

“The only knock on Quinn is that he needs to add some weight. He has a great arm, vision, and field presence. He's a leader.”

— Sean Sovacool, Head Coach, La Costa Canyon High School

The takeaway

Roth's decision to attend the junior college powerhouse of College of San Mateo highlights the importance of the JC pathway for some high school athletes looking to develop and improve before potentially transferring to a four-year university. The school's history of producing successful players and coaches suggests Roth could be in good hands as he works to transform his body and game.