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 Others
In a stunning move that has rocked the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Richards has officially decommitted from the University of Colorado and flipped his commitment to the University of Florida, turning down an eye-popping $6.7 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) package in the process.
The 17-year-old prodigy from Houston, Texas, ranked as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class by multiple outlets, had been verbally committed to Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes since early January. At the time, his decision was seen as a huge win for Coach Prime, who has been aggressively rebuilding the Colorado program with a mix of top-tier transfers and elite high school talent.
However, after months of growing speculation and increased recruiting pressure from top programs, Richards announced via social media on Friday night that he would be flipping his commitment to the Florida Gators, choosing Billy Napier’s program over strong pushes from Notre Dame, Georgia, and USC.
“After deep prayer, discussion with my family, and reflection on my future goals, I have decided to decommit from the University of Colorado and commit to the University of Florida,” Richards wrote in a statement. “I’m incredibly thankful to Coach Prime and the Colorado staff, but I believe Gainesville is the best place for me to develop as a quarterback and as a man.”
What’s perhaps more shocking than the flip itself is that Richards reportedly turned down a NIL package worth $6.7 million that was tied to his commitment to Colorado. According to multiple sources close to the recruitment, the NIL offer included marketing deals, endorsements, and media projects centered around the quarterback’s high-profile image in Boulder.
Instead, Richards opted for a more development-focused environment at Florida, where he will likely be the centerpiece of the Gators’ offense for years to come.
“He’s not chasing the biggest paycheck,” one recruiting analyst said. “He’s looking at the long game — NFL development, coaching stability, and fit. Florida made a strong case that they could develop him into a top NFL Draft pick, and he bought in.”
Florida head coach Billy Napier has now landed his highest-rated quarterback prospect since taking over the program. The Gators’ 2025 class, already ranked among the nation’s top five, now receives a massive boost with Richards at the helm. His dual-threat ability, elite arm strength, and high football IQ have drawn comparisons to Lamar Jackson and Caleb Williams.
Notre Dame, who had also been considered a favorite in the final stretch, reportedly made a late push but was ultimately edged out due to Florida’s offensive scheme and quarterback development record.
Colorado fans were left reeling from the news. Coach Deion Sanders has not publicly commented on the decommitment, though sources say the staff was “blindsided” by the timing.
With national signing day still months away, Richards’ commitment remains non-binding, but sources close to the family insist that the Florida pledge is “rock solid.” If true, this decision marks one of the boldest and most surprising recruiting shifts in recent college football memory — a rare case of a top prospect betting on development over dollars.
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