5-Star QB Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from Mountaineer, Flips Commitment to LSU tigers Over Powerhouses Penn State, Tennessee and more………

May 2, 2025 – Baton Rouge, LA — In a move that has shaken the foundations of the college football recruiting scene, Jalen Ricks a 5-star quarterback and one of the most coveted prospects in the nation, has officially flipped his commitment from the **West Virginia Mountaineers** to the **LSU Tigers**. The announcement, made Thursday evening via Ricks’ social media, has sparked a wave of reactions across the college football world.

Ricks, ranked among the top five quarterbacks in the class of 2025 and a consensus top-25 overall recruit, had been committed to West Virginia since early 2024. At the time, his pledge was seen as a major win for a Mountaineer program fighting to regain national relevance. His sudden decision to decommit and commit to LSU over other powerhouse programs—including Penn State, Tennessee, and Oregon—marks a seismic shift in his recruiting journey.

I want to thank the West Virginia coaching staff and fans for their love and support throughout this process,”Ricks posted. “After deep conversations with my family and mentors, I’ve decided that LSU is the best fit for my future on and off the field.

1. Offensive Evolution: LSU’s newly revamped offense under offensive coordinator Marcus Harlan—a former NFL assistant—appealed to Ricks’ pro-style skill set. The system promises early development and visibility to scouts.

2. Path to Playing Time: With current LSU starter Tyler Nix expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, Ricks sees a realistic chance to compete for the starting job as early as his freshman year.

3. Recruiting Momentum: LSU’s loaded 2025 recruiting class includes several high-caliber offensive weapons, and Ricks has reportedly built strong bonds with receivers and linemen also headed to Baton Rouge.

4. SEC Stage: The chance to compete at the highest level in the SEC under the bright lights of Tiger Stadium played a pivotal role. Ricks described LSU’s game-day energy as “unmatched.”

The reaction to Ricks’ flip has been swift and passionate. West Virginia fans expressed heartbreak and frustration, while LSU’s fan base erupted in celebration.

West Virginia head coach Neal Brown addressed the situation diplomatically: Recruiting is always evolving. We wish Jalen nothing but the best and will continue building our program with guys who are committed to being Mountaineers.

Meanwhile, LSU head coach Brian Kelly called Ricks “a transformative talent” and praised his maturity and leadership. “Jalen is not just a great athlete—he’s a culture builder. He’s going to be a special Tiger.

With his decision now public, Ricks is expected to take part in LSU’s summer training activities and may even enroll early to begin preparing for the 2025 season. As LSU builds toward a return to national title contention, landing a quarterback like Ricks sends a powerful message: the Tigers are back in the championship hunt.