Breaking News: 5-Star QB Stuns College Football World by Rejecting $8.7 Million, Decommits from Texas, and Flips to Nebraska Over Alabama, Georgia
In a jaw-dropping move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football world, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Richards has officially decommitted from the Texas Longhorns, rejecting a reported $8.7 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, and flipped his commitment to the Nebraska Cornhuskers — turning down powerhouse programs Alabama and Georgia in the process.
Richards, widely regarded as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, made the announcement Tuesday afternoon via social media, citing a desire to “build something special” and “not just chase money or prestige.” The stunning decision comes just months after his highly publicized verbal commitment to Texas, a program many believed had locked down their quarterback of the future with one of the most lucrative NIL packages ever offered to a high school athlete.
“I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I want for my future, both on and off the field,” Richards said in a statement. “While I have immense respect for Coach Sarkisian and the Texas program, my heart is in Lincoln. I want to leave a legacy, and I believe Nebraska is the place where I can do that.”
The move is a monumental win for Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, who has been rebuilding the Cornhuskers with a gritty, culture-first approach. Landing a generational talent like Richards could be the defining moment in Nebraska’s return to national relevance. The last time Nebraska landed a top-five overall recruit was over two decades ago.
Recruiting insiders say Alabama and Georgia were still heavily involved in trying to flip Richards, even as recently as last week. Both SEC juggernauts reportedly offered competitive NIL packages and emphasized their track record of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks. However, Richards ultimately chose to take a different path, opting for playing time, culture, and personal development over immediate financial gain and championship pedigree.
“This isn’t something you see every day — a top recruit walking away from millions and the promise of the College Football Playoff,” said ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill. “This is a cultural shift moment.”
Richards’ commitment to Nebraska not only boosts the program’s 2025 recruiting class to No. 3 nationally but also sends a clear message: the Cornhuskers are officially back in the national spotlight, and they’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in college football.
The ripple effects of Richards’ decision are already being felt across the recruiting landscape, as several top prospects are reportedly reconsidering their options.
College football’s future just got a lot more interesting — and Nebraska is suddenly at its center.