In one of the most dramatic recruiting twists of the year, 5-star quarterback phenom Malachi Reynolds, the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 class, has officially decommitted from Ohio State and announced his shocking commitment to Nebraska Football — choosing the Cornhuskers over SEC powerhouses Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Reynolds, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound signal caller from Buford, Georgia, had been a vocal Ohio State commit since August 2024 and was widely considered the crown jewel of their 2025 class. His decision to flip to Nebraska sent shockwaves through the college football world and sparked immediate reactions from coaches, analysts, and fans alike.
A Commitment That Changes Everything
Reynolds made the announcement via a nationally televised appearance on ESPN, donning a Nebraska hat and declaring, “I’ve prayed about this, talked with my family, and my heart is in Lincoln. I believe in what Coach Rhule is building. Nebraska’s not just back — we’re coming for everything.”
According to sources close to Reynolds, his change of heart came after a recent official visit to Nebraska, where he reportedly formed a deep bond with head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield. The Huskers rolled out the red carpet for Reynolds, highlighting their revamped facilities, offensive system tailored to dual-threat QBs, and a clear vision for turning the program into a Big Ten powerhouse.
Why Nebraska?
While Alabama and Georgia had been making late pushes and Tennessee reportedly offered a lucrative NIL package, Nebraska won out by pitching a legacy-defining opportunity. Rhule’s emphasis on building something “authentic, sustainable, and special” deeply resonated with the star quarterback.
“Nebraska showed me love when nobody else believed I’d flip,” Reynolds said. “They didn’t promise the world — they promised me the tools to become the best version of myself, on and off the field.”
Fallout for Ohio State
Reynolds’ decommitment leaves Ohio State scrambling. The Buckeyes had built much of their 2025 offensive recruiting class around him, and several top receivers were known to have committed with the assumption he’d be their future QB1. With Reynolds now headed to Lincoln, ripple effects are expected across the recruiting landscape.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day released a brief statement: “Malachi is a tremendous talent, and we wish him nothing but the best. Our focus remains on building a class that fits our culture and goals.”
A New Era in Lincoln?
This flip marks a monumental win for Nebraska, which hasn’t landed a 5-star quarterback since the days of Tommie Frazier. Reynolds is the highest-rated recruit to commit to Nebraska in over two decades and signals a potential turning point in the program’s return to national relevance.
With an elite defense already forming under Rhule and several high-level offensive recruits now trending toward Lincoln, the Cornhuskers could be on the cusp of their most competitive roster since the early 2000s.
The College Football World Reacts
The announcement lit up social media, with analysts calling it “one of the biggest recruiting heists of the decade.” ESPN’s Tom Luginbill tweeted: “This is huge for Nebraska. Reynolds is a game-changer — pure and simple. If Rhule keeps this momentum, watch out.”
Nebraska fans have already dubbed the move “The Lincoln Leap,” and Reynolds’ commitment video has garnered over 2 million views within the first hour.
What’s Next?
Reynolds is expected to enroll early and participate in Nebraska’s spring practices in 2026. The pressure will be immense, but if his high school tape and leadership acumen are any indication, Nebraska may have just found the face of its football renaissance.
