Breaking News: 5-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Rejecting $88.1 Million, Decommits from Texas Longhorns, Flips to Nebraska Over Alabama and Ohio State
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, 5-star quarterback phenom Jalen Reese has officially decommitted from the University of Texas and flipped his commitment to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The move comes as a major surprise to fans and analysts alike—not only because Reese turned down lucrative NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) offers reportedly totaling $88.1 million, but also because he chose Nebraska over blue-blood programs Alabama and Ohio State.
Reese, ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class, had been the cornerstone of Texas’s highly touted recruiting class. His commitment was viewed as a signal that the Longhorns were poised to compete for national titles again. Multiple reports had suggested that Texas boosters and NIL collectives had put together one of the largest NIL packages ever offered to a high school athlete. Yet, the 18-year-old star walked away from it all.
Sources close to the situation say Reese’s decision was based not on money, but on long-term fit, development opportunities, and personal values. “I want to build something special, not just chase a bag,” Reese reportedly told a close friend. His choice to commit to Nebraska—a program in the midst of a major rebuild under head coach Matt Rhule—has been hailed as a bold move, signaling that some top athletes still prioritize legacy and culture over financial gain.
The decision has stunned both the Texas and national college football communities. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian had been closely involved in Reese’s recruitment and reportedly made a last-ditch effort to keep him in Austin. Meanwhile, both Alabama and Ohio State had remained in close contact with Reese throughout his recruitment. Insiders suggest that Alabama offered a revised NIL deal late in the process to lure the quarterback to Tuscaloosa, but Reese remained firm in his commitment to Nebraska.
Social media has been buzzing with reactions ranging from disbelief to admiration. Nebraska fans erupted in celebration, with many calling it the biggest recruiting win for the program since the Tom Osborne era. Some analysts are already projecting Reese as the key piece that could return the Cornhuskers to national prominence.
“This is a culture-changing moment for Nebraska,” said college football analyst Joel Klatt. “You’re not just getting a talented player—you’re getting a leader who’s willing to go against the grain for something bigger than himself.”
Only time will tell whether Reese’s decision pays off, but one thing is clear: his choice has disrupted the recruiting landscape and rekindled hope in a historic program long searching for a return to glory. With this move, Jalen Reese has not only made headlines—he’s made history.
