Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $6.7 Million, Decommits from Colorado, and Flips Commitment to Penn State Over Notre Dame and Florida State
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom, Jalen Mitchell (name hypothetical), has made headlines by rejecting a staggering $6.7 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal and flipping his commitment from Deion Sanders’ Colorado program to Penn State University. This bold decision has stunned fans, analysts, and recruiting experts, who had long assumed Mitchell was locked in with Colorado following months of public praise for Coach Prime and the Buffaloes’ explosive media presence.
Mitchell, widely regarded as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, originally committed to Colorado amid much fanfare. His commitment was seen as a major win for Coach Sanders, who has used his charisma and NFL pedigree to bring top-tier talent to Boulder. However, rumors began to circulate in recent weeks that Mitchell was having second thoughts, despite reportedly being offered a lucrative NIL package that would have made him one of the highest-paid high school recruits in college football history.
What makes this move even more astonishing is that Mitchell didn’t just decommit from Colorado—he turned down additional strong offers from blue-blood programs like Notre Dame and Florida State, ultimately choosing Penn State. The Nittany Lions, led by head coach James Franklin, have built a reputation for developing talent and maintaining a balanced program focused on both athletics and academics. Mitchell cited “culture, tradition, and long-term development” as key reasons behind his decision.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for Coach Prime and everything he’s doing at Colorado,” Mitchell said in a statement posted on his social media. “But at the end of the day, I had to make a decision that was right for my growth as a player and as a person. Penn State offered that balance. It wasn’t about the money — it was about the legacy I want to build.”
The move is a huge win for Penn State, which has struggled in recent years to consistently land top-tier quarterbacks. Mitchell’s commitment could provide a major boost not only on the field but also in recruiting other elite talent. His decision also raises important questions about the future of NIL in college football, especially as more young athletes appear willing to pass on immediate financial rewards in favor of long-term development and personal fit.
Notre Dame and Florida State, who were both in Mitchell’s final four schools, are left to reassess their quarterback recruiting strategy. Florida State, in particular, had been viewed as a strong contender due to its recent resurgence in the ACC and a history of dual-threat QB success. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s pro-style system was reportedly a mismatch for Mitchell’s dynamic, mobile playstyle.
In the ever-evolving world of college football recruiting, where multimillion-dollar NIL deals are becoming common, Mitchell’s decision is a powerful reminder that not every elite athlete is driven by money. For now, all eyes will be on Happy Valley, where Penn State fans are already dreaming of a bright future with their new star under center.
