BREAKING: Nation’s No. 1 Football Phenom Commits to Ohio State, Snubs Tennessee, BYU, and Georgia in Shocking Decision
In a stunning development that sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, the nation’s No. 1 high school football recruit, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Rivers, announced his commitment to Ohio State University on Tuesday morning. The announcement, made via a live-streamed press conference at his high school in Austin, Texas, blindsided top programs like Tennessee, BYU, and Georgia, all of which were considered frontrunners in his recruitment.
Rivers, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback from Westlake High School, is widely regarded as a generational talent. With a cannon for an arm, elite speed, and exceptional football IQ, Rivers has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. Over his high school career, he threw for over 11,000 yards and rushed for more than 2,500, earning Gatorade National Player of the Year honors in his junior and senior seasons.
Until recently, Georgia and Tennessee were considered heavy favorites, with BYU making a strong late push thanks to family ties and a faith-based pitch. But in a move that few saw coming, Rivers chose the Buckeyes, citing a “unique bond with the coaching staff,” a proven track record of developing NFL quarterbacks, and a vision for his future beyond football.
“Ohio State felt like home,” Rivers said at the press conference. “Coach Day and his staff made it clear they believe in me not just as a player, but as a person. This decision wasn’t easy, but it was the right one.”
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was quick to respond on social media, posting, “Welcome to the family, Jalen! The future is bright in Columbus.”
The commitment is a monumental win for Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class, which now moves to the No. 1 spot nationally, according to 247Sports. With Rivers at the helm, the Buckeyes are poised to continue their dominance in the Big Ten and make serious pushes for national championships in the coming years.
Meanwhile, reactions from rival fanbases were swift and emotional. Georgia supporters voiced frustration at losing out on the top recruit for the second straight year, while BYU fans expressed disappointment but wished Rivers well. Tennessee fans were especially vocal on social media, with many blaming internal program instability for the loss.
As the dust settles on one of the most dramatic recruiting sagas in recent memory, one thing is clear: Jalen Rivers’ decision has changed the college football landscape — and Ohio State just became the team to beat.