Breaking News : Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $8.5 Million, Decommits from Padres and Flips Commitment Oklahoma sooner Over Notre Dame and Florida State Seminole…….
In a jaw-dropping twist that’s sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Ricks has officially decommitted from the San Diego State Padres and flipped his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners snubbing powerhouse programs Notre Dame and Florida State in the process. Even more stunning is that Ricks reportedly turned down an \$8.5 million NIL deal in doing so — a decision many are already calling one of the boldest and most principled moves in recent recruiting memory.
With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals now a massive part of college athletics, Ricks’ decision has defied the trend of chasing the biggest payday. The highly coveted quarterback, ranked No. 1 at his position in several recruiting boards and known for his elite dual-threat capabilities, had been widely expected to honor his verbal commitment to San Diego State after their boosters put together a massive \$8.5 million NIL package.
But in a heartfelt social media post this morning, Ricks explained his reasoning:
I’ve made this decision with my heart, not my wallet. I want to win championships, be part of a legacy, and play in a system where I’ll grow as a man and an athlete. That place is Norman, Oklahoma. I’m officially flipping my commitment to the University of Oklahoma. #BoomerSooner
The Sooners’ head coach Brent Venables, now in his most aggressive recruiting phase yet, appears to have closed this deal with passion, vision, and a promise of legacy. Offensive coordinator Seth Littrell is said to have played a crucial role in convincing Ricks that Oklahoma’s system would elevate his game — both for college dominance and for a smooth NFL transition.
The Sooners are coming off a strong season and are now eyeing a deep run in the expanded College Football Playoff. With Ricks under center for the 2026 season, many believe Oklahoma just became a legitimate title contender.
Social media exploded moments after the announcement. Notre Dame and Florida State fans voiced disappointment, with some calling it a “recruiting tragedy,” while Sooner Nation erupted in celebration.
Former Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman winner Baker Mayfield tweeted:
Legacy over money. Love this move, Jalen. You’re gonna make history in Norman. #OUDNA
Analyst Kirk Herbstreit called the commitment flip “one of the most courageous moves we’ve seen in this new NIL era,” emphasizing that it proves culture and fit still matter to top-tier athletes.
The San Diego State program, while not traditionally a quarterback powerhouse, had pinned its hopes on Ricks being the cornerstone of a West Coast resurgence. His decommitment leaves them scrambling — with only weeks until early signing period activity intensifies.
Multiple sources say the NIL package was structured to rival Power Five offers, including endorsements, local business partnerships, and appearance bonuses. The fact that Ricks walked away from it all only underscores his dedication to football-first values.
Jalen Ricks will be enrolling early at Oklahoma and is expected to participate in spring practices. Experts believe he will compete for the starting job as a true freshman. If he wins it, he’ll be the first freshman to start under center for the Sooners since Caleb Williams in 2021.
The Sooners now boast the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation, and this seismic flip might just give them the final push to challenge for No. 1.
This recruitment shocker isn’t just about one player — it’s about the new era of college football. Jalen Ricks’ decision may be remembered as a cultural turning point in how elite athletes approach m
oney, legacy, and their path to greatness.