In one of the most jaw-dropping developments of the college football recruiting cycle, a five-star quarterback prospect has turned down a staggering $7.3 million NIL deal, decommitted from the University of Colorado, and committed to Penn State University, leaving powerhouse programs Notre Dame and Florida State stunned in the process.
The high-profile recruit, who had been the centerpiece of Colorado’s 2025 class and a symbol of the Deion Sanders-led resurgence in Boulder, shocked fans and analysts alike with a decision that appears to prioritize long-term development and program fit over immediate financial gain. The move sends a loud and clear message across the college football landscape: for some elite athletes, culture, coaching, and legacy still matter more than dollar signs.
Sources close to the situation revealed that the quarterback had been under intense pressure from all sides. Colorado, under Coach Prime, reportedly had NIL collectives lined up to secure the generational talent with one of the most lucrative deals ever offered to a high school athlete. Notre Dame and Florida State had both pitched compelling packages that blended elite facilities, media exposure, and strong football traditions. Yet in the end, Penn State—led by head coach James Franklin and a rising offensive staff—won the battle with a pitch focused on quarterback development, NFL preparation, and team culture.
The recruit, who ranks as one of the top overall players in the nation, had this to say in a brief statement: “This wasn’t about the money. It was about where I felt I could grow the most—on and off the field. Penn State made me feel like I was part of something bigger, something real.”
Penn State fans erupted in celebration as news of the commitment broke. The Nittany Lions, already on an upward trajectory with back-to-back strong recruiting classes and a Big Ten title in their sights, now appear poised to compete with the likes of Ohio State and Michigan on a national level. The addition of a quarterback of this caliber could be the final piece in elevating them from contender to powerhouse.
Meanwhile, the fallout at Colorado is palpable. Deion Sanders had made this quarterback a centerpiece of his aggressive recruitment strategy, and losing him at this late stage raises questions about the long-term viability of high-dollar NIL offers as the sole recruiting tool.
Notre Dame and Florida State, two blue-blood programs with storied traditions, also face the sting of missing out on a game-changing prospect. Both believed they were finalists in the race, but ultimately fell short of convincing the young star to lead their respective programs.
In a new era where NIL deals, social media presence, and branding often dominate recruiting headlines, this decision stands as a rare reminder: for the truly elite, football still comes first.
