Sam Darnold: From San Clemente High to Super Bowl quarterback

Sam Darnold will be starting Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, 2026, for the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots. Darnold will become the first former USC quarterback to start a Super Bowl.


The Orange County Register has been covering Darnold since he was a high school football (and basketball) star in San Clemente and throughout his time at USC. Here are some of those stories through the years as he continued to climb toward football’s biggest game:

From 2014: Darnold is highly recruited

San Clemente High quarterback gets more looks from colleges

End of San Clemente’s run

Fryer: Rough ending for Darnold, Tritons

The 2014 offensive player of the year

San Clemente’s Darnold is 2014 offensive player of the year

The 2015 Boys Athlete of the Year

O.C. Boys Athlete of the Year: Sam Darnold, San Clemente

How Sam Darnold chose USC

How Sam Darnold became a USC quarterback

USC wins 2017 Rose Bowl, Darnold throws 5 TDs

Rose Bowl: USC wins dramatic comeback on final field goal

Growing spotlight

Sam Darnold slowly learning to live in the spotlight

Can Darnold succeed where other USC QBs came up short?

Is Sam Darnold the rare NFL franchise quarterback from USC?

How Darnold became a top NFL draft prospect

How USC QB Sam Darnold quickly became an elite NFL prospect

Darnold selected No. 3 by the Jets

Sam Darnold selected No. 3 in NFL Draft by New York Jets

Darnold reaches the Super Bowl with Seahawks

Alexander: Seahawks’ Sam Darnold shuts up his critics – and makes history

(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *