In a jaw-dropping turn of events, one of the nation’s most coveted high school quarterbacks has flipped the college football world on its head — turning down an eye-popping $8.5 million NIL offer and decommitting from Michigan State to pledge his future to the Auburn Tigers.
The five-star phenom, who had offers from virtually every powerhouse program in the country, made the announcement late Monday night, stunning fans, analysts, and recruiters alike. Initially locked in with Michigan State, the quarterback — widely regarded as a game-changing dual-threat talent — had also been heavily pursued by Notre Dame and the Georgia Bulldogs.
“This decision wasn’t about money,” the QB said in a statement. “It’s about legacy, development, and building something special. Auburn felt like home.”
The move is especially surprising given the financial backdrop. Multiple reports confirm that the QB walked away from an NIL package totaling $8.5 million — a jaw-dropping figure even by today’s booming college football standards.
Sources close to the recruitment say Auburn’s coaching staff, led by Hugh Freeze, played a major role in the flip. The QB developed a strong relationship with the Tigers’ staff, valuing their vision for his development and the opportunity to compete in the SEC.
Social Media Erupts
As news broke, social media exploded with reactions. Michigan State fans were left reeling, while Auburn supporters erupted in celebration. One SEC analyst tweeted:
“This is the biggest recruiting flip of the year. Auburn just landed a future star — and beat out the money.”
What This Means for Auburn
This commitment immediately elevates Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class and adds a future face-of-the-program quarterback to their roster. The Tigers, who have struggled to find consistency at the QB position, now boast a dynamic playmaker who could start making noise as early as his freshman year.
Meanwhile, Michigan State is left scrambling
