Clemson Coach Reveals Shocking Reason for Selling Star Player to Alabama, Turning Down $8.7M Mega Deals from Florida and Ohio—Fans Stunned as Top Talent Leaves Despite Being Called the Best Player in Program History
CLEMSON, S.C. — In a jaw-dropping revelation that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has finally opened up about the stunning departure of star wide receiver Jalen “Jet
” Daniels to arch-rival Alabama. Even more shocking than the transfer itself is the fact that Clemson turned down eye-popping NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals totaling $8.7 million from Florida and Ohio State — all in favor of a quieter, more strategic move to Tuscaloosa.
Daniels, hailed by many as the greatest player in Clemson’s history, shocked fans and analysts alike when he announced last week he would be transferring to Alabama for the upcoming season. Speculation ran wild, with some believing it was purely a financial decision. But Swinney’s press conference on Monday revealed a deeper, more complex rationale.
“It wasn’t about money. It was about values,” Swinney said. “Jalen had offers that would’ve set him and his family up for life. But he’s not chasing a paycheck — he’s chasing a legacy. Alabama offered him something no one else could: a shot at a national championship, tailored development for the NFL, and the system he thrives in.”
Swinney admitted the decision to facilitate Daniels’ transfer to a major SEC rival was one of the hardest of his career — but also one he stands by.
“We had to think beyond ourselves,” he said. “Of course, it hurts. Jalen is special. But forcing him to stay for the sake of pride, or selling him to the highest bidder? That’s not what we’re about. I’d rather see him succeed somewhere else than be miserable here with millions he didn’t want to chase.”
Daniels, who posted over 1,600 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns last season, has often voiced his desire to play in a system that prepares him best for the NFL. While Clemson has historically been a powerhouse, recent years have seen the team falter in postseason contention — something Daniels subtly alluded to in his farewell statement.
“I’ll always be a Tiger at heart,” he wrote. “But for where I’m going, I need to be somewhere that pushes me every single day and puts me on the biggest stage. Coach Swinney understood that — more than I expected.”
The decision to decline massive NIL offers from Florida and Ohio State has left many fans and insiders stunned. Reports suggest Florida was prepared to offer Daniels $5 million over two years, while Ohio State’s package included a $3.7 million guarantee with incentives tied to performance and media appearances.
Reactions on social media have been mixed — with some fans praising the integrity of both Daniels and Swinney, and others blasting the decision as a sign of Clemson’s decline in the new era of NIL-dominated college football.
Still, one thing is certain: the 2025 season just got a lot more interesting. And when Clemson meets Alabama in a possible postseason clash, all eyes will be on Jalen Daniels — the star who chose legacy over money.