The All American season 2 ending wraps up multiple storylines following the spring semester, setting up each of the main characters for season 3. All American debuted on The CW in 2018, but the true story based on Spencer Paysinger's football career found a new life once it began streaming on Netflix. The popularity of the series across both platforms ensured that All American would continue to be made, as the second season of the show was released in the fall of 2019.
All American season 2 picks up after the winter break for Beverly Hills, which followed Spencer James (Daniel Ezra) leading the team to a football state championship. Despite the success he and his team achieved last semester, All American season 2 presents Spencer and the rest of the main characters with a set of new challenges. Football is still part of their stories with spring 7 on 7 play, as well as college recruiting beginning for Spencer, Jordan Baker (Michael Evans Behling), and others. But, there are also personal challenges that surface from the reveal of the affair between Billy Baker (Taye Diggs) and Grace James (Karimah Westbrook), as well as Spencer's father Corey James (Chad L. Coleman) sticking in Crenshaw.
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Over the course of the season, the personal and football-related challenges dramatically alter the lives of everyone. Some of the biggest moments in the lead-up to the All American season 2 ending includes Corey passing away from another battle with cancer, Spencer getting shot and almost not being able to play football, Tyrone (Demetrius Shipp Jr.) dying after he returns to Crenshaw, and Coach Baker's coaching future becoming uncertain. All of these storylines (and more) lead to a finale that helps tie up some season 2 loose ends and sets up multiple new directions for All American season 3.
Spencer James Transfers To Crenshaw
At the ending of All American season 2, Spencer makes a life-changing decision once again by pledging to play his senior year of football at Crenshaw instead of Beverly Hills. Although he's had great success at Beverly Hills, Spencer makes the switch in an attempt to save his hometown high school. The board was considering changing the school to a magnet school, which would not guarantee that Crenshaw kids would get an education there. Spencer convinced them to hold off on this move because he'll transfer there and help raise its profile. Since he is one of the nation's top prospects, he sells the school on his presence being able to draw more attention, especially as Spencer tries to lead Crenshaw to a state championship.
Billy Baker Leaves Beverly Hills For Crenshaw
All American season 2 proved to be a difficult one for Coach Billy Baker personally and professionally. He and Laura Fine-Baker (Monet Mazur) decided to separate, which has split the family, and Billy's job at Beverly Hills was in turmoil all season. Boosters tried to overthrow his leadership with the team and he got in trouble for covering up Asher Adams' (Cody Christan) steroid use. After all of this, Billy decided to make a change of his own. He agreed to go with Spencer to Crenshaw and become their new head coach, a role that was recently vacated by the death of Corey. Now, he'll stay with the star player he once pulled away from Crenshaw to try and win another state championship in California.
Spencer's Arm Injuries Aren't Healed
The ability to continue coaching Spencer was a big reason why Billy made the switch to Crenshaw, but that could be put in jeopardy once again by Spencer's arm and health. Although he rehabilitated his shoulder during the season so he could be cleared to play in the 7 on 7 league, Spencer wasn't completely truthful about how he was feeling. His shoulder is still an issue for him, and the All American season 2 finale saw Spencer lose all feeling in his right arm again. He won't be able to hide these lingering troubles in All American season 3 either, as Olivia Baker (Samantha Logan) saw it happen — which could have lingering implications for the upcoming state championship.
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Olivia Struggles With Her Past Addictions
Speaking of Olivia, the All American season 2 ending leaves her teetering. After reconciling her relationship with Asher and starting a successful podcast, Olivia struggles with the demons of her past and the addictions she used to have. Thinking she is all alone once again, she begins spiraling and, although she stays away from drugs, Olivia secretly drinks some alcohol to try and fill this void in her life. The good news for Olivia in that moment is Spencer shows up to check on her, reassuring her that she's never alone as long as he is around. But, Olivia's temptations to use drugs and alcohol again appear to be something that will continue into All American season 3.
Jordan Commits To A Relationship
Jordan's arc for All American season 2 comes to a satisfying close in the finale as he finally commits to a relationship with Simone (GeffriMaya). After winning the state championship in season 1, Jordan used his popularity to get with any girl he wanted. This eventually led to him hooking up with Simone, who later told him that she was pregnant with his child. Although Jordan was not the father, he grew to care for Simone and the unborn baby to the point where he wanted to be part of their lives regardless. So, Jordan and Simone begin dating, which should continue into season 3 as the birth approaches.
Coop & Layla Go On Tour
Throughout All American season 2, Coop (Bre-Z) and Layla Keating (Greta Onieogou) developed a friendship that will take them across the country now. Following in the footsteps of her parents, Layla decides to begin producing music and help Coop start her career. With Layla's dad and Patience (Chelsea Tavares), Coop's girlfriend, touring together during the summer, they decide that they can tag along. Instead of Coop opening for Patience though, Layla manages to book smaller venues for Coop to perform near where Patience is going to be. Unfortunately for all parties involved, this cross-country trip could prove to be more dangerous than expected in All American season 3, thanks to Coop.
All American Introduces A New Threat For Season 3
The All American season 2 ending also introduces a new antagonist for the show, but one that is a familiar face in Crenshaw. A big storyline in the second season is Tyrone's return after being released from prison and then the multiple plots to kill him. Coop was partially responsible for Tyrone going to jail in the first place and built up momentum for his murder, with her prepared to kill Tyrone herself. Although she isn't the one who killed Tyrone, the season ends with his sister coming back to town and vowing revenge on those responsible. Her sights are clearly set on Coop as she discretely watches her say goodbye to the James family, so season 3 of All American might see Mo (Erica Peeples) follow Coop on tour.
Asher Attempts To Reconcile Relationship With His Mom
The All American season 2 finale also sets up some reconciliation in Asher's future. This season saw his mom return to his life after previously abandoning him and his father when they went broke, or so he thought. The truth was that Asher's father forced his mom to stay out of his life or he would reveal the truth about her. Since she wanted to be part of his life, she told Asher the truth herself: that she used to be an escort and that is how she and Asher's father met. In an attempt to make up for lost time, Asher leaves town to spend the summer with his mom.
How The All American Season 2 Finale Set Up Season 3
Based on the events of All American season 2's ending, there are plenty of examples of the show setting up new plot points for season 3. Since the show revolves around Spencer, his lingering arm issues and the decision to transfer back to Crenshaw will inevitably be prominent storylines. These parts of Spencer's story will likely impact his quest for another state championship and his collegiate future. This won't only change aspects of the talented athlete, but the ramifications of both could be significant. Spencer will surely do his best to get past whatever is wrong with his arm and live up to expectations, but what he might not take into consideration is how his actions will impact others.
There are obviously plenty of other storylines set in motion for All American season 3. Mo's arrival and vendetta against Coop could be dangerous for the aspiring rapper. Olivia's drinking problems returning might also resurface in a major way, while Billy's decision to coach Crenshaw could create tension between him and Jordan. The latter also means New Beverly is in need of a new head coach who will mold Jordan and Asher's football futures. All of this and more will be explored in season 3 thanks to All American season 2's ending.