St. Anthony's football star Xavier Bala changes college commitment from Syracuse to Boston College
Xavier Bala of St. Anthony's picks up a first down in a non-league matchup against University Prep on Sept. 6 in South Huntington. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Xavier Bala, a four-star running back from St. Anthony’s, has flipped his commitment to Boston College from Syracuse.
Just over a month after committing to the Orange, Bala announced on his X account Wednesday that he will continue his football career with the Eagles.
Very blessed and grateful to announce I am committed to @BCFootball I truly appreciate all of my family, friends, coaches and trainers who helped me along this journey and supported me during the recruiting process. Excited to get to work and contribute to the program… pic.twitter.com/WRnPDDexoV
— Xavier Bala (@XavierBala14) June 10, 2026
“I think (running backs) coach Mike Hart and the school itself were a big part of my decision,” Bala said. “Obviously, coach (Bill) O’Brien is a great football coach in general, just in history. I think it was the best spot for me, scheme-wise also. I see them doing great things in the future.”
Bala took an official visit to Boston College last weekend, before committing just days later.
“He’s probably the closest coach I’ve been to in this whole recruiting process,” Bala said of Hart. “He was an all-time great college player, a great player from New York in general.”
Bala, a 6-foot, 220-pound junior, had a breakout sophomore season. He began drawing interest from some of the nation’s top programs. He received offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Nebraska, Virginia, Illinois and several other Power Four schools.
Last season, Bala rushed 254 times for 1,318 yards and 26 touchdowns. He was the winner of Newsday’s 2025 Rich Reichert Award, presented to Long Island’s top Catholic high school football player.
“The kid is just nonstop working,” St. Anthony’s coach Joe Minucci said. “He’s done everything possible to get himself ready for next year.”
Bala, a Baldwin native, is ranked as the No. 30 running back in the Class of 2027 by ESPN.
He helped St. Anthony’s reach the CHSFL AAA final as a sophomore and the semifinals last season. Now, Bala will look to help the Friars get over the hump and bring home a title.
“St. Anthony’s needs another title,” Bala said. “It’s been a decently long time since we’ve won one, and it would mean a lot to win it.”
