It feels weird, right? You turn on All American expecting to see that #11 jersey or at least Spencer James brooding over some community crisis in Crenshaw, and instead, the camera is panning over a whole new roster of kids. If you're wondering why isn't Spencer James in season 7 as a lead, the short answer is that Daniel Ezra—the heart of the show since 2018—decided it was time to hang up the cleats.
He's gone. Well, mostly.
The creative choice behind Daniel Ezra's exit
Daniel Ezra didn't get fired. There wasn't some massive behind-the-scenes blowout or a contract dispute that went south. It was actually a lot more "mutual" and creative than that. Back in mid-2024, Ezra and showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll sat down and realized something pretty fundamental: Spencer’s story was actually done.
Think about it. The kid from South Central who just wanted to save his neighborhood and make it to the league actually did it. He survived the drive-bys, the shoulder injury that almost ended his career, the coaching changes, and the heavy burden of being "the chosen one." By the end of Season 6, he was a Super Bowl champion. He got the girl. He married Olivia Baker.
Honestly, where else was there to go?
Ezra has been vocal about this. He mentioned in several interviews that his goal was to take a "broken teenager" and turn him into a man. Once Spencer made it to the NFL and secured his family's future, the "mission" felt complete. He didn't want to just hang around the sidelines of other people's stories if his own arc had reached its natural peak.
Where is Spencer James now in the show's world?
Just because he isn't the main character anymore doesn't mean he's dead. Thankfully, the writers didn't "Billy Baker" him. In the world of the show, Spencer and Olivia have moved to New York. Spencer is busy being an NFL superstar, and Olivia is pursuing her own dreams by his side.
The show has shifted its focus back to the "roots"—Beverly Hills High and South Crenshaw. We’ve got a new generation of players, like KJ (played by Nathaniel Logan McIntyre), who are dealing with the same messy hormones and high-stakes rivalries that Spencer once did. It’s a full-circle moment, but it definitely leaves a Spencer-sized hole in the middle of the "Vortex."
Will we ever see Spencer again?
Here’s the good news. Daniel Ezra isn't totally "out" out. While he isn't a series regular—meaning he's not in every episode or the focus of the marketing—he is still part of the family.
- He’s Directing: Ezra has already stepped behind the camera to direct episodes in Season 7. He actually started this back in Season 4, and he seems to love the transition.
- Guest Appearances: Both Ezra and Samantha Logan (Olivia) are expected to pop up as guest stars. You might see them during a holiday episode or a big milestone event for the remaining OG characters like Jordan or Layla.
- Behind the Scenes: He's reportedly been on set helping the newer, younger cast members navigate the world of the show.
The budget reality of long-running TV
We have to talk about the "boring" stuff too. Network TV in 2026 isn't what it used to be. The CW has undergone massive changes under its new ownership (Nexstar), and high-budget veteran shows are expensive to keep running. All American survived the purge that killed off Homecoming and Walker, but it came at a cost.
A big part of why isn't Spencer James in season 7 in a full-time capacity involves these budget cuts. By moving the focus to a younger, less expensive cast and shifting the OG stars to "guest" status, the show managed to stay on the air for another season. It sucks for fans who want the original crew, but it was likely this or cancellation.
What this means for the "Vortex"
With Spencer and Olivia in New York, the show's dynamic has shifted toward Jordan Baker (Michael Evans Behling) and Layla (Greta Onieogou). Jordan is now stepping into a leadership role—sort of becoming the "adult" he used to look up to. It's a weird transition.
Watching the show now feels a bit like going back to your old high school a few years after graduation. The buildings are the same, the "vibe" is there, but the faces are different. It’s definitely an adjustment.
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Next steps for fans
If you’re struggling with the new era of All American, here’s how to keep up with the legacy:
- Watch for Ezra’s Director Credits: Keep an eye on the opening credits of Season 7. Seeing "Directed by Daniel Ezra" gives a nice sense of continuity.
- Follow the Guest Star Announcements: The showrunners usually tease when an "OG" is coming back a week or two before the episode airs.
- Check out Daniel Ezra's new projects: He's already moving on to bigger things, including a role in the new Running Man movie alongside Glen Powell.
The "Spencer James era" might be over, but at least he got the happy ending we all wanted for him.