Luke Ferrelli: Full Profile & Bio
Luke Ferrelli is an American college football linebacker currently rostered with the Ole Miss Rebels. Before joining Ole Miss, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound defender made waves with the California Golden Bears, where he emerged as one of the top freshman defenders in the nation in 2025.
Born and raised in Carlsbad, California, Ferrelli played linebacker at Carlsbad High School, earning a reputation as a disruptive force on defense. His high school résumé includes over 130 total tackles, 8.5 sacks and multiple turnovers, leading his teams to strong records and league championships.
After a standout prep career and a three-star recruiting ranking, he chose Cal — and later entered the NCAA transfer portal after his breakout season.
College Career Journey
California Golden Bears (2024–2025)
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2024: Redshirted as a true freshman; did not see game action.
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2025: Emerged as a starting linebacker, posting significant defensive numbers and earning postseason honors.
In his 2025 season for Cal, Ferrelli consistently made plays: tallying high tackle totals, creating negative plays behind the line of scrimmage, and even snagging critical turnovers. His effort didn’t go unnoticed — he was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned All-ACC recognition thanks to his immediate impact.
Key College Stats (2025):
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Height/Weight: 6’3″ / 230 lbs
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2025 Tackles: Ranked among team leaders and one of the best totals among all freshmen nationwide
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Big Plays: TFLs, sacks, and key interceptions highlight his disruptive defensive skill set.
Transfer Portal & Ole Miss Commitment
In late December 2025, Ferrelli announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal after his breakout season at Cal. Soon after, he initially committed to Clemson, drawing attention from multiple Power-5 programs. However, in a twist that drew national coverage, he flipped his commitment and ultimately signed with the Ole Miss Rebels on January 22, 2026.
His decision helped bolster an already strong Ole Miss transfer class, adding depth and athleticism to the Rebels’ linebacker room ahead of the 2026 season.
Note: The transfer process attracted controversy involving allegations of “tampering” from Clemson’s coaching staff — a situation generating headlines across the college football world.
Recruiting & 247Sports Profile
According to 247Sports, Luke Ferrelli was a highly regarded prospect coming out of Carlsbad High School, later ranking as a promising transfer in the portal. His 247 profile shows:
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Position: Linebacker
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Height/Weight: 6-3, 230 lbs
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High School: Carlsbad (CA)
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Transfer Rankings: Projected as a high-impact portal addition with solid upside.
247Sports and On3 ranking metrics reflect his transition from a three-star recruit into a player with strong college potential, thanks to his performance and physical profile.
Social Media Presence
Ferrelli maintains an active social media presence — a key for athletes building their brand.
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Handle: @lukeferrelli9
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Posts include football highlights, behind the scenes, and student-athlete moments.
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Follower trends indicate a growing fan base, especially after his ACC award and high-profile transfer.
X (Formerly Twitter)
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He has an X profile where he engages with fans, shares season highlights, and reposts football milestones. Some posts celebrate his ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year nod.
Social media engagement is a key part of NIL opportunities for college players, and Ferrelli’s presence reflects both personal branding and fan interaction.
Stats & Performance Breakdown
Below is a snapshot of his 2025 performance with Cal (the most recent full season available):
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | High among freshmen nationally |
| Tackles for Loss | Multiple plays behind the line |
| Sacks | Registered across the season |
| Interceptions | Multiple impactful turnovers |
| Starts | Starter in all games he played |
| Stats reflect his role as a high-impact linebacker and key defensive playmaker. |
Ferrelli’s ability to read offenses, make open-field tackles, and generate pressure makes him a versatile piece in any defense — and a prospect to watch in the SEC.
Background & Early Years
Ferrelli grew up in Carlsbad, California, where he developed his game at Carlsbad High School. Known for his athleticism and football IQ, he was a consistent leader on defense.
Beyond stats, his leadership and ability to adapt to changing competition levels played a big part in his college recruitment — first to Cal, then through the transfer portal.
Family ties also helped shape his football journey; his brother Anthony plays linebacker at Stony Brook, underscoring a family tradition of defensive excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Luke Ferrelli?
Luke Ferrelli is an American college football linebacker who currently plays for the Ole Miss Rebels after a breakout season at the University of California.
How old is Luke Ferrelli?
Exact age isn’t officially published online, but he is a redshirt freshman as of 2026, which typically places him around 19-20 years old based on NCAA class status.
What are his college football stats?
In 2025 at Cal, Ferrelli recorded high tackle numbers, tackles for loss, sacks, and interceptions, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Did 247Sports rank Luke Ferrelli?
Yes — his 247Sports profile shows him as a notable linebacker transfer with strong upside entering the 2026 season.
Is Luke Ferrelli on Instagram or X?
Yes — his Instagram is @lukeferrelli9, and he also posts on X, sharing updates about his football and college life.
What is the controversy around his transfer?
His transfer attracted national headlines due to accusations of recruitment tampering involving Ole Miss and Clemson — a topic widely discussed in college football circles.
Conclusion
Luke Ferrelli’s journey — from a three-star prep recruit to ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and now a rising linebacker at Ole Miss — highlights his talent, adaptability, and potential impact in the SEC. His social media presence and recruiting buzz further amplify his profile beyond just on-field performance.
As the 2026 season approaches, Ferrelli is one to watch — both as a defensive force and as a name increasingly mentioned among top young college linebackers in the country.
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