Summer is ending and as the new school year is about to start, so is a new chapter. As the new QB coach at Crenshaw, Jordan is caught between being his players coach and their friend, which causes discord with his boss, Coach Bobby and his starting quarterback, Yasi. Meanwhile, Kingston's world is upended when he learns the secret that his parents, Cassius and Ava, have been keeping from him. Elsewhere, Khalil challenges the school system, Amina strives for more independence, and Coop and Layla struggle to find their footing in a new dynamic.

As Cassius and KJ navigate their first day at Beverly and South Crenshaw High, they struggle to find their way in unfamiliar surroundings. When Yasi antagonizes Khalil, Jordan steps in at Amina's urging. Olivia comes to town to pay tribute to Coach Billy Baker, but when she seemingly keeps avoiding Layla, their friendship is tested. Elsewhere, Coop's nerves take over on her first day of law.

When South Crenshaw's latest addition remains sidelined, Jordan and Coach Bobby clash over his next steps; the Eagles' devastating loss leads to finger-pointing from KJ; Cassius brings KJ to a South Crenshaw game.

KJ, desperate to revive Beverly's game, is conflicted between following the Baker playbook or making his own mark. Meanwhile, Layla takes a stand against controversial pop star Elle Grant which forces Coop to fight for a second chance, and Khalil faces his father who won't let go of the past.

Both Beverly and Crenshaw are on a hot streak in their respective games. Amina struggles with her decision to run for Stu-Co president when she discovers her campaign speech falls on a very difficult day. When Tori makes a pass at KJ, he finds his heart pulled in two directions. Khalil reckons with the conflict between his new life and his father's influence. Coop attends a law panel, and the professor's intentions might not be entirely professional. Cassius offers KJ fatherly advice. Finally, Amina catches KJ off guard with an interesting proposal.

Khalil must choose between lying for his father and a better path for himself. Patience gets an opportunity that tests her relationship with Coop, and KJ's fake relationship with Amina draws Tori's interest. Jordan uses Grandpa Willie's party as an opportunity to further investigate his theory about Coach Bobby, and his plan has unintended consequences.

Cassius struggles to come to terms with a hard truth, and Layla lends him an ear at her lounge. Amina throws a party to celebrate her Stu-Co win, but her fake relationship with KJ gets complicated when he brings Tori with him. Meanwhile, Khalil adjusts to his new living arrangements. Elsewhere, Coop and Patience find themselves at a crossroads, and they face their future head-on for the first time. Finally, Amina makes a confession to Khalil.

It's homecoming weekend at South Crenshaw High; as part of a new tradition, Amina is named Ms. South Crenshaw, which brings up memories of her mother; Khalil prepares to play for the first time since making the football team.

Spencer James and Darnell Hayes return to town, organizing a spirited night out aimed at resolving the escalating rivalry between Cassius and Jordan - a tension that has started to affect Khalil and KJ. Meanwhile, Coop struggles with haunting memories from her past, finding comfort in Spencer's guidance. Later, Khailil gets support from Spencer, Jordan, and others. Finally, Cassius offers words of wisdom to Spencer on his next chapter.

The Eagles are nearing a record as the last game of the season approaches. When Cassius decides to bench his starters, KJ fights for their right to play. Amina returns from Baltimore, and she's determined to save Khalil from the threats he's facing. Khalil finally turns to Coop for help. Elsewhere, Layla helps Breonna and Coop find their way. Meanwhile, KJ and Tori's relationship reaches a turning point, and Amina is surprised by Khalil's actions. Lastly, Cassius and KJ get an unexpected visit.

KJ grapples with a new discovery about the Jeremy family. He seeks comfort in Amina, who arranges a surprise visit from KJ's mother, Ava. Ava finally has answers to lingering questions in her marriage to Cassius. Meanwhile, Khalil gets an unexpected visit on his 18th birthday, and Amina has a tough choice to consider. Finally, a tragedy unearths secrets.

As Jordan recovers from his attack, Olivia and Layla encourage him to confront Cassius, and he makes a pivotal choice. Coop and Layla help Khalil process his guilt, while Jordan questions their friendship. Also, KJ tries to make amends with Tori.

On the day of the South Crenshaw vs. Beverly game, KJ learns news that throws him off, and Cassius and Ava try to help. Meanwhile, Jordan is determined to return to the game despite outside concerns. Amina learns good news about her future, but she is unsure of what choice to make. Coop is ready for the next step with Breonna. Khalil gets support from an unlikely source. Lastly, KJ makes a bold declaration, and the game comes down to the wire.