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Luke Esquivel is ineligible to play at Southlake Carroll.
Luke Esquivel is currently ineligible to play for Southlake Carroll High School in Texas. His request for immediate availability has been blocked after a transfer from Grapevine.
The high school baseball star is now left with uncertainty surrounding his future. Will he play in 2027, and if so, where?
The initial ruling is a blow to Southlake Carroll, who was hoping to utilize the transfer after a 13-21 season in 2026. An appeal process will take place in one final push for eligibility, but for now, the Dragons are without their top addition.
Texas high school baseball player ineligible.
Esquivel had been a top performer on the Grapevine team, hitting .434 at the dish while striking out 122 batters on the mound during the 2025 campaign. He led the program to a Class 5A Division II state championship.
Last year, Grapevine was kicked out of the playoffs the night before postseason. It was unable to defend its title. A bad driver’s license linked to an ineligible roster member was to blame.
Esquivel claims to have been bullied after the fact. He did not attend in-person classes in the spring semester. His father said safety played a role in his son’s decision to transfer to Southlake Carroll.
“My concern was whether my son could safely and comfortably return in that environment… We heard accusations that we were cheaters, that everything was our family’s fault. Comments directed at Luke. … Those comments are being made by students.”
–Lale Esquivel via the Star-Telegram
The family alleged bullying. It also referenced education and family ties to Southlake Carroll in its reasoning for the transfer.
The UIL did not accept that reasoning. It deemed the move athletically motivated. Esquivel was ruled ineligible with a 6-1 vote.
What now?
The decision plans to be appealed. For now, Luke Esquivel is ineligible to play baseball at Southlake Carroll High School for one calendar year.
He can, however, return to play at Grapevine and play immediately.
It’s similar to a situation seen earlier this summer at Marcus High School outside of Dallas. QB Colton Nussmeier attempted to transfer to Denton Ryan for his senior year. The move was blocked, forcing the passer to either leave the state or return to his old school. Ultimately, he opted to play in Louisiana.
That option is on the table for Esquivel, who is an LSU commit. Bullying accusations might create some hesitancy in going back to Grapevine. He’ll be able to make a more informed decision when the appeal process wraps up.