Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $7.3 Million, Decommits from Colorado, and Flips Commitment to LSU tigers Over Notre Dame and Florida State Seminole……….

In one of the most dramatic turns in college football recruiting history, five-star quarterback **Jalen Ricks**, the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the Class of 2025, has announced that he is **decommitting from the University of Colorado**, rejecting a **\$7.3 million NIL deal**, and instead committing to the **LSU Tigers**. The announcement stunned fans, coaches, and analysts, given how heavily invested Colorado was in Ricks as the face of their future.

This decision is more than just a recruiting flip—it’s a signal that not every elite recruit is driven by dollar signs. Ricks’ move emphasizes long-term development and legacy over short-term financial gain, and it could reshape how coaches approach recruiting in the new NIL era.

Jalen Ricks, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback from Dallas, Texas, first committed to Colorado in 2024. With Coach Deion “Prime” Sanders leading the Buffaloes’ program back to national relevance, Ricks was considered the cornerstone of a recruiting class that aimed to take Colorado from rebuilding to contending.

However, LSU quietly entered the picture in early 2025. After an unofficial visit in April, where Ricks toured the facilities, met with LSU coaches, and connected with current players, his outlook changed. By May, rumors began to circulate that a flip was possible, though few believed he would walk away from Colorado—especially with such a lucrative NIL package reportedly on the table.

> “After deep conversations with my family and mentors, I’ve decided to decommit from Colorado and officially commit to Louisiana State University. I’m thankful for Coach Prime and everything Colorado gave me, but I believe LSU gives me the best chance to grow as a quarterback, a teammate, and a man.”

There were several key factors in Ricks’ decision. Sources close to the family said LSU’s strong quarterback development program under Head Coach Brian Kelly and Offensive Coordinator Joe Sloan played a huge role. LSU’s proven track record of producing NFL talent, highlighted by Joe Burrow’s historic 2019 season, gave Ricks confidence in their ability to develop him into a first-round NFL pick.

Additionally, LSU’s offensive system and recent upgrades to their facilities impressed the young quarterback. The chance to play in the SEC, college football’s most competitive conference, also factored heavily into the decision.

Jalen wants to compete against the best every week,” one family source said. “He’s thinking about Sundays, not just Saturdays.

The most surprising element of the story is Ricks’ decision to decline the reported \$7.3 million NIL package from Colorado. While NIL money continues to reshape the recruiting landscape, Ricks’ move is a rare example of a top athlete choosing development, competition, and culture over immediate financial gain.

I’m not chasing a check,” Ricks told ESPN shortly after his announcement. I’m chasing greatness.

This stance has drawn widespread praise from analysts, former players, and coaches, who view Ricks as a mature, grounded athlete with a clear vision for his future.

Colorado, which had counted on Ricks to headline its 2025 class, now finds itself scrambling to find a new quarterback. While Coach Sanders has drawn other top-tier recruits, losing Ricks is a major blow to the momentum he’s built in Boulder.

Notre Dame and Florida State, two other programs high on Ricks’ list, also fell short despite strong pushes. Ultimately, LSU’s late surge, strong program stability, and SEC stature sealed the deal.

Ricks plans to enroll early at LSU and is expected to compete for the starting job as a freshman. With his skill set, leadership, and mindset, he may be exactly what LSU needs to return to national title contention.

In the end, Jalen Ricks’ decision is more than a recruiting headline—it’s a reminder that greatness can’t always be bought.