Top ESPN Recruits Turn Down $10.4M Deal to Commit to Alabama

Top ESPN Recruits Turn Down $10.4M Deal to Commit to Alabama

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, the nation’s No. 1 ranked ESPN recruit and his 5-star brother officially committed to Alabama on June 5, turning down a reported $10.4 million NIL offer from a joint pitch by Nebraska and BYU’s NIL collectives.

The highly anticipated decision was confirmed via a shared social media announcement, where the brothers made it clear that their hearts were set on Tuscaloosa—not the highest bidder.

“We grew up dreaming of wearing Crimson, playing for the best, and building a legacy—not chasing a paycheck,” one of the brothers stated. “Alabama felt like home, and nothing compares to the tradition and opportunity here.”

Sources close to the recruitment confirmed that Nebraska and BYU had reportedly formed a powerhouse NIL alliance, offering a massive multi-year package centered around national branding, high-profile media campaigns, and exclusive sponsorships. The $10.4 million figure was among the most aggressive in this recruiting cycle.

Yet, despite the staggering offer, the brothers chose to join Nick Saban’s storied program, a decision praised by Bama fans and former players alike.

“This kind of loyalty and commitment to greatness is why Alabama continues to dominate—not just on the field, but in the culture,” one longtime fan posted on X.

With these two elite talents on board, Alabama’s 2025 class may now be one of the strongest in recent memory. And in a rapidly changing NIL landscape, this moment proves that for some athletes, winning, legacy, and tradition still outweigh the biggest checks.