In a stunning development, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has ordered Austin LBJ High School to forfeit all its 2024 football victories due to the use of ineligible players, according to sources cited by the *Austin American-Statesman*. The ruling was delivered during a meeting of the District Executive Committee on Thursday.
LBJ had completed an undefeated regular season (11-0), won the Class 4A Division I District 13 title, and advanced to the second round of the playoffs before falling in a 13-10 upset to La Vernia. However, all 11 wins — including the district championship — will now be vacated, which will drastically alter the 2024 standings.
As a result of the forfeits, Taylor High School, which finished second in the district with an overall record of 5-6 and a district record of 5-1, will now be recognized as the official district champion. UIL officials and Austin ISD have yet to comment publicly, and LBJ head coach Joseph Rauls has not issued a statement.
The Jaguars had once again fielded a dominant roster in 2024, highlighted by quarterback Ali Scott (2,392 yards, 33 TDs, 2 INTs), running back Caleb Crenshaw (1,342 yards, 20 TDs), and top receivers Louis Hickman (833 yards, 12 TDs) and Javarlyn Smith (753 yards, 10 TDs). Crenshaw and defensive back Yaheim Riley have since transferred to Anderson High School, leaving further gaps in a program already dealing with the fallout of the forfeitures.
Since 2018, LBJ has been a perennial power in Class 4A, winning five district titles and reaching the state semifinals in 2020 and finals in 2021. The program’s latest setback now clouds what had been a dominant campaign and raises serious questions heading into the 2025 season, which is set to begin August 29 against Sam Houston.
