BREAKING NEWS: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $8.5 Million, Decommits from Ole Miss, and Flips Commitment to Michigan wolverine Over Notre Dame and Florida State Seminoles…
BREAKING NEWS: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $8.5 Million, Decommits from Ole Miss, and Flips Commitment to Michigan over Notre Dame and Florida State
In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Ricks has officially decommitted from Ole Miss and announced his new commitment to the University of Michigan. Even more jaw-dropping than the flip itself is the revelation that Ricks turned down an $8.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal reportedly tied to his previous commitment, choosing instead to follow his heart — and his belief in Michigan’s program.
Ricks, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback from Houston, Texas, is ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2025 class by multiple recruiting services. He had originally committed to Lane Kiffin and the Rebels in late 2024, citing Kiffin’s offensive prowess and early NIL opportunities. But sources close to Ricks say the QB’s priorities shifted in recent months, focusing more on development, legacy, and long-term fit than immediate financial gain.
“I want to build something special,” Ricks said during his live announcement on ESPN. “The money was never the main thing. I want to compete at the highest level, win championships, and prepare for the NFL the right way. Michigan gives me that chance.”
Ricks’ decision comes at a time when Michigan, fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance and solidified under new head coach Sherrone Moore, has become one of the hottest destinations for elite talent. Moore, known for his player-first culture and physical brand of football, has rapidly rebuilt momentum following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL.
In flipping Ricks, Michigan beat out two blue-blood programs — Notre Dame and Florida State — both of which were heavily in the mix down the stretch. Notre Dame offered the opportunity to start early in a pro-style offense, while Florida State emphasized its strong recent quarterback development and ACC dominance. Still, Michigan’s blend of academics, Big Ten competition, and quarterback-friendly system ultimately sealed the deal.
“We believed in Jalen, but we also believed in letting him choose what’s right for him,” said Ricks’ high school coach. “It’s rare to see a young man turn down that kind of money for a better fit, but that’s who he is. Michigan’s getting not just a great athlete, but a great leader.”
With this move, Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks in the top three nationally, and analysts are already calling Ricks the potential face of the program’s next era. On the other hand, Ole Miss is left scrambling, with limited time to find a comparable replacement in a rapidly changing recruiting landscape.
In an era where NIL deals often dominate headlines, Ricks’ decision is a bold reminder that culture, coaching, and development still matter. And for Michigan fans, it’s a resounding signal that the Wolverines aren’t just staying relevant — they’re building for sustained dominance.
