Breaking News: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $7.3 Million, Decommits from Carolina Pirates, and Flips Commitment to Nebraska Over Notre Dame and Florida State
In a jaw-dropping turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jaxon Maddox has decommitted from the Carolina Pirates, rejected a reported $7.3 million NIL package, and flipped his commitment to the Nebraska Cornhuskers—over blue blood programs Notre Dame and Florida State.
Maddox, a 6-foot-4 dual-threat star from Atlanta, Georgia, was widely considered the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class. Ranked No. 2 overall by multiple recruiting services, he had stunned analysts last December by committing early to the upstart Carolina Pirates, a new FBS program with big NIL ambitions. But after months of speculation and behind-the-scenes recruiting battles, Maddox made his bombshell announcement Monday morning on social media.
“After deep prayer, conversations with my family, and re-evaluating my future, I have decided to decommit from the Carolina Pirates and officially commit to the University of Nebraska,” Maddox posted. “I appreciate everything Coach Thompson and the Pirates have done for me, but this is about legacy, development, and tradition.”
The decision is a massive coup for Nebraska head coach Marcus Sanders, who is entering his third season in Lincoln with hopes of reviving the once-proud program. The Cornhuskers have not landed a five-star quarterback since the early 2000s, and Maddox’s commitment signals a seismic shift in recruiting momentum for the Big Ten school.
What makes the move even more shocking is Maddox reportedly turned down one of the largest known NIL offers for a high school quarterback. Sources close to the Pirates’ collective confirmed that Maddox was offered $7.3 million in guaranteed deals tied to endorsements, appearances, and merchandise.
“He chose legacy over dollars,” a Nebraska staff member told local media anonymously. “We didn’t outbid anyone. He bought into what we’re building.”
Notre Dame and Florida State had both made late pushes, with Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell making an in-home visit last week and Notre Dame pitching Maddox on becoming the next great Irish quarterback. But in the end, Nebraska’s combination of offensive scheme, projected early playing time, and an emerging support infrastructure won out.
The college football world has rarely seen such a high-profile flip, especially one that bucks the growing trend of NIL-driven decisions. Jaxon Maddox’s move may well redefine what elite prospects prioritize—and has instantly made Nebraska a must-watch team in the years to come.
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