Breaking News: Five-Star Recruit Shocks College Football World by Rejecting $6.7 Million, Decommits from Mountaineers, and Flips Commitment to LSU Tigers Over Notre Dame and Georgia
In a jaw-dropping development that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star recruit and top-ranked quarterback prospect, Malik Thompson, has officially decommitted from West Virginia University, rejecting a reported $6.7 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal, and has flipped his commitment to the LSU Tigers. The stunning move comes just days after Thompson was rumored to be leaning toward powerhouse programs Notre Dame and Georgia.
Thompson, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback from Atlanta, Georgia, had been the crown jewel of West Virginia’s 2025 recruiting class. His commitment last fall was seen as a major coup for the Mountaineers, with insiders hailing it as a program-defining moment. However, in a surprise announcement on social media Monday evening, Thompson thanked the Mountaineer coaching staff and fanbase before revealing his decision to commit to LSU.
“I want to thank Coach Brown and the entire WVU family for believing in me,” Thompson wrote. “After deep prayer and discussions with my family, I’ve decided to decommit and pursue my future with LSU. Geaux Tigers!”
Sources close to Thompson’s recruitment say the decision was not about money. Despite reportedly turning down an NIL package worth $6.7 million tied to his commitment at West Virginia, Thompson was drawn to LSU’s player development, recent success in the SEC, and the chance to compete for a national title under head coach Brian Kelly.
“This is about long-term growth, NFL preparation, and competing on the biggest stage in college football,” said a member of Thompson’s inner circle. “Malik wants to earn it the right way.”
Thompson had also made official visits to Notre Dame and Georgia earlier this spring and was said to be impressed with both programs. However, LSU’s track record of producing NFL-ready quarterbacks — from Joe Burrow to Jayden Daniels — played a key role in swaying the elite prospect.
LSU now adds a game-changing talent to its 2025 class, instantly propelling the Tigers into the top 3 in national recruiting rankings. Meanwhile, West Virginia is left scrambling to fill the void, as they lose not just a top recruit, but a massive piece of their future.
This bold move by Thompson may signal a shift in college football priorities — from NIL dollars to championship dreams and NFL aspirations.
Recruiting in 2025 just got even more unpredictable.