Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $6.7 Million, Decommits from Colorado, and Flips Commitment to Florida Gators Over Notre Dame and Florida State
In a jaw-dropping move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Richards has officially flipped his commitment from Colorado to the University of Florida, turning down a reported $6.7 million in NIL opportunities from multiple programs in the process. The 18-year-old sensation had previously been a high-profile commit to Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes, but stunned fans and analysts alike by announcing his decision on social media Friday night.
“After much prayer and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to decommit from Colorado and commit to the University of Florida,” Richards posted. “This is about more than money—this is about legacy, fit, and becoming the best player and man I can be.”
Richards, the No. 2 quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class and a consensus top-10 overall prospect, had also been heavily courted by college football powerhouses Notre Dame and Florida State. In recent weeks, insiders believed the race was down to the Fighting Irish and the Seminoles. However, Florida’s new offensive scheme under head coach Billy Napier and quarterbacks coach Ryan O’Hara ultimately won out.
According to multiple sources, Richards walked away from a jaw-dropping $6.7 million in NIL offers—reportedly including lucrative deals from Colorado-affiliated businesses and boosters eager to keep him with the Buffaloes. While the exact figures offered by Florida remain undisclosed, Richards’ camp emphasized that the decision was “not about money” but rather development and long-term vision.
“This is a throwback decision in a modern era,” said recruiting analyst Jason Hines of 247Sports. “Jalen Richards just prioritized football fit, culture, and personal growth over instant money. That’s rare in today’s landscape.”
The move is a massive win for Florida, which has been struggling to land elite quarterback talent since the departure of Anthony Richardson to the NFL. Richards brings not only elite arm strength and mobility but also high football IQ and leadership skills that scouts say set him apart from other QBs in the class.
For Colorado and Coach Prime, the decommitment marks a significant blow to a 2025 class that had been gaining momentum. It’s unclear whether the loss of Richards will impact other recruits.
Florida now vaults into the top five of the national recruiting rankings, and the buzz in Gainesville is palpable.
“This is the type of commitment that changes the direction of a program,” said Gators fan and former player Chris Doering. “And the fact he turned down that kind of money? That’s unheard of.”
The Jalen Richards era in Gainesville has officially begun.