FIVE-STAR QB SHOCKS COLLEGE FOOTBALL WORLD: TURNS DOWN $5.4 MILLION, FLIPS FROM NOTRE DAME & FLORIDA STATE TO FLORIDA GATORS.
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jayden Marshall stunned fans and insiders alike by flipping his commitment to the Florida Gators, turning down a jaw-dropping $5.4 million NIL package reportedly offered by competing programs. The decision comes just weeks after his verbal pledge to Notre Dame, and months after strong interest from Florida State, where many believed he would ultimately land.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback from Frisco, Texas, had long been considered one of the crown jewels of the 2025 recruiting class. Known for his cannon arm, surgical accuracy, and remarkable poise in the pocket, Marshall had been courted by virtually every Power Five program in the country. But no one expected the twist that unfolded this weekend.
FROM FIGHTING IRISH TO GATOR NATION
Just days after reaffirming his commitment to Notre Dame in an ESPN interview, Marshall dropped a bombshell on social media Sunday morning:
> “After long talks with my family, coaches, and mentors, I’ve decided to decommit from Notre Dame and flip my commitment to the University of Florida. This decision isn’t about money — it’s about legacy, opportunity, and the chance to be part of something special in Gainesville.”
The post went viral within minutes, with reactions pouring in from players, fans, and analysts. The Gators coaching staff, led by head coach Billy Napier, responded swiftly with a celebratory graphic and the caption:
> “Welcome to The Swamp, QB1. Let’s build a dynasty.”
PASSING ON THE PAYDAY
What’s turning heads even more than the flip itself is the financial sacrifice. According to multiple sources close to the recruitment, Marshall turned down an NIL collective offer worth $5.4 million — reportedly fronted by a high-powered syndicate tied to Florida State’s Seminole Boosters and Notre Dame’s Irish Guard collective.
“Jayden had every financial reason to go a different route,” said a recruiting insider. “But he chose Florida because of the vision, the scheme, and his belief that he can win a national title there. It’s almost unheard of in this era of college football.”
Marshall’s high school coach, Travis Manning, confirmed the decision wasn’t driven by dollars.
> “He’s old-school in a new-school world,” Manning said. “He told me, ‘Coach, I want to earn that money with wins, not walk into it because of hype.’ That’s rare these days.”
WHY FLORIDA?
So why Gainesville? Sources say Marshall has developed a strong connection with Florida quarterbacks coach Ryan O’Hara, and has been impressed by the Gators’ quarterback-friendly offensive scheme and the rapid development of young talent in recent years.
Florida has also stocked up with elite offensive weapons in the 2025 class, including five-star wide receiver Darnell “Jet” Harris, top-tier offensive tackle Malik Stokes, and tight end Cam Holloway, all of whom reportedly reached out to Marshall in recent weeks urging him to “come be the missing piece.”
> “He’s the spark we needed,” said Harris via X (formerly Twitter). “Championships loading.”
A TITLE RUN IN THE MAKING?
Marshall’s commitment instantly catapults Florida’s 2025 recruiting class into the Top 3 nationally, and sends a clear message to the SEC: the Gators are no longer rebuilding — they’re reloading.
“This is a program-changing moment,” said ESPN’s recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “You don’t just get a talent like Marshall — you get leadership, toughness, and someone who elevates the guys around him. This is the kind of move that puts Florida back in the College Football Playoff conversation.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
With Marshall now set to enroll early in January, Gator fans are already dreaming of a new era under center in The Swamp. Meanwhile, both Notre Dame and Florida State are scrambling to recalibrate their quarterback recruiting plans, as one of the most prized prospects of the last decade slips through their fingers.
For Jayden Marshall, however, the message is simple.
> “This is about football. This is about family. This is about Florida,” he said. “Let’s get to work.”
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BREAKING DOWN JAYDEN MARSHALL’S STATS (2024 Season):
Passing Yards: 3,872
Touchdowns: 42
Interceptions: 4
Rushing Yards: 867
Rushing TDs: 11
Completion Rate: 72.4%
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FOLLOW-UP:
Stay tuned for our exclusive 1-on-1 with Jayden Marshall this Friday.
Track Florida’s full 2025 recruiting class on our interactive portal.
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What do you think of Marshall’s decision? Is Florida back? Drop your thoughts below or tag us @CFBInsider.
