From Whittier to Tackles Leader: The Owen Long Story
La Serna’s two-way star becomes FBS tackles leader at Colorado State, then lands at Arizona State
Some players announce themselves gradually. Owen Long kicked down the door.
The La Serna (Whittier, CA) standout who helped deliver the Lancers their first-ever CIF State championship in 2023 has turned into one of college football’s most productive defenders—and he did it faster than almost anyone expected. From two-way high school star to FBS tackles leader in just two years. From Group of Five captain to Power Four transfer. From overlooked three-star to third-team All-American.
This is the Owen Long story—a journey defined by relentless production, quiet leadership, and a chip on his shoulder that still hasn’t gone anywhere.
THE LA SERNA FOUNDATION
Long’s story begins in Whittier, where he starred as a two-way RB/LB for La Serna High School. Not just starred—dominated. He was the kind of player who altered games from both sides of the ball, the heartbeat of a program building toward something historic.
In 2023, the Lancers delivered. Long was instrumental in La Serna’s run to a CIF Division 4 sectional title and the program’s first-ever CIF State championship. The playoff run showcased everything that makes Long special: versatility, clutch gene, and an ability to make winning plays when it matters most.
There was the game where he scored both a defensive touchdown and a rushing touchdown. There was the late first-down run in the state bowl that helped La Serna seal the win. Impact plays in all phases. A winner’s résumé built one Friday night at a time.
Long graduated in the Class of 2024 as one of California’s top uncommitted senior prospects—a three-star linebacker with offers from Nevada, Air Force, Army, Arkansas State, and Washington State. Big programs? No. But programs that saw something.
THE RECRUITMENT: FINDING A HOME
Long initially committed to Nevada, a late pickup that the Wolf Pack staff celebrated publicly. Here was a versatile, high-production defender who could bring his physicality and tackling volume to the Mountain West. A culture fit. A program builder.
But Long flipped. He signed with Colorado State, where the coaching staff projected him as an off-ball linebacker who could translate his high school production to the college game. It wasn’t the flashiest landing spot, but it was the right one.
THE FRESHMAN YEAR: EARNING TRUST
As a true freshman in 2024, Long played in all 13 games for the Rams. He logged 45 tackles, two pass breakups, and a half-tackle for loss, mostly rotating in and contributing on special teams. Solid? Sure. Spectacular? Not yet.
But something else happened that season—something that mattered more than any stat line.
Owen Long was named a team captain.
At 19 years old. After starting only one game.
That doesn’t happen by accident. That’s a reflection of how teammates and coaches view a player’s work ethic, humility, and dependability. Long wasn’t the loudest voice in the locker room, but he was the most consistent. The guy who set the tone in the weight room. The guy who showed up on Tuesdays the same way he showed up on Saturdays.
He earned that captain’s badge long before he led the FBS in tackles.
THE BREAKOUT: NATION’S BEST
Then came 2025. And Owen Long exploded.
151 total tackles. First in the FBS. Fifth-most in Colorado State single-season history. Plus five tackles for loss, two sacks, five pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.
He wasn’t just productive—he was everywhere. The heartbeat of CSU’s defense. The first name on the scouting report. The reason opponents had to account for the middle of the field on every snap.
For his efforts, Long earned:
- First-team All–Mountain West
- Third-team AP All-American—the first CSU defensive player to earn AP All-America recognition since Greg Myers in 1995
Long didn’t just dominate the Mountain West. He put himself on the national map.
THE PEOPLE’S LINEBACKER
But what makes Owen Long special isn’t just the production—it’s the way he carries himself.
Coaches and program insiders describe him the same way: respectful, diligent, relentlessly team-first. He’s not hunting for highlights or lobbying for individual awards. He’s the captain who shows up early, stays late, and never asks for credit.
On social media, though, Long leans into the production. He highlights his status as the nation’s tackles leader. He reminds people where he’s from and how far he’s come. It’s not arrogance—it’s confidence earned through work. A reminder that the three-star kid from La Serna belongs on the biggest stages.
THE NEXT CHAPTER: POWER FOUR BOUND
After his monster 2025 season, Long entered the NCAA transfer portal with a simple message: “keeping all options open.”
Translation: the nation’s leading tackler was available. And Power Four programs took notice.
Long committed to Arizona State, bringing his high-volume tackling and leadership to the Sun Devils. It’s the move everyone saw coming—elite production at the Group of Five level doesn’t stay there for long. Not when you’re leading the country in tackles. Not when you’re a third-team All-American. Not when you’re 20 years old and still getting better.
Owen Long is heading to Tempe with a résumé most linebackers don’t build in four years, let alone two.
THE LEGACY
From two-way star in Whittier to FBS tackles leader to Power Four linebacker, Owen Long’s journey is a masterclass in proving doubters wrong—quietly, consistently, and with relentless production.
He didn’t land at a blue blood out of high school. He didn’t get the five-star treatment. He got offers from programs that saw something, believed in something, and gave him a chance.
And Owen Long did the rest.
Now he’s taking that La Serna chip—the one forged in Whittier, sharpened at Colorado State—to the Pac-12. Arizona State is getting a tackles machine, a proven leader, and a linebacker who’s already proven he belongs on the national stage.
Where is Owen Long now? On his way to becoming one of the most productive linebackers in college football. Again.
And he’s just getting started.
OWEN LONG CAREER TRACKER
High School (La Serna):
- Class of 2024
- Two-way RB/LB
- CIF Division 4 champion
- CIF State champion (first in program history)
College (Colorado State, 2024-2025):
- 2024: 45 tackles, 2 PBU, 0.5 TFL (13 games)
- 2025: 151 tackles (1st in FBS), 5 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF
- Team captain (2024-25)
- First-team All–Mountain West (2025)
- Third-team AP All-American (2025)
Transfer (2026):
- Committed to Arizona State
Owen Long didn’t need the stars. He just needed the reps. And now the entire country knows his name.