Breaking News: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Rejecting $7.5 Million, Decommits from Texas, Flips to Nebraska Over Notre Dame and Georgia
In a seismic shift that’s sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jaxon “Jet” Riley has stunned analysts, boosters, and fans alike by flipping his commitment from Texas to Nebraska — rebuffing powerhouse programs Notre Dame and Georgia, and, in a move that defies the new norms of NIL-fueled recruiting, turning down a staggering $7.5 million in endorsement deals.
The 18-year-old prodigy from Long Beach, California, widely regarded as the top dual-threat QB in the class of 2026, made the announcement during a nationally televised segment on ESPN. Wearing a crimson and cream Cornhuskers hat, Riley said, “This decision wasn’t about money. It was about legacy. I want to bring Nebraska back to the top. I want to build, not just join.”
Riley had previously been committed to the Texas Longhorns, whose NIL collective was reportedly offering $7.5 million in a combination of endorsements, sponsorships, and incentives. Notre Dame and Georgia, both perennial College Football Playoff contenders, had also put together competitive NIL packages, hoping to lure the talented quarterback.
Yet, despite all the financial and football prestige, Riley turned it all down for Matt Rhule’s resurgent Nebraska program. The Cornhuskers, though rich in history with five national championships, haven’t seen major success in over two decades. That, according to Riley, was part of the appeal.
“I’ve seen what Coach Rhule is building — a culture of grit, heart, and revival,” Riley told reporters. “At the end of the day, I want to be the face of a program that shocks the world, not one that maintains the status quo.”
His high school coach, Vince Carrington, described the decision as “vintage Jaxon.”
“He’s never been driven by flash,” Carrington said. “He’s about challenge, about impact. He doesn’t want to be the next name in a line of stars. He wants to be the line.”
Nebraska fans, who have long thirsted for a return to national relevance, erupted on social media. Within minutes, #HuskersBack and #JetToLincoln were trending nationally. The university’s ticket site reportedly crashed under the surge of renewed interest.
Meanwhile, the college football world is left reeling. Texas officials have declined to comment, while Georgia’s offensive coordinator called the flip “the most shocking commitment switch in recent memory.” Notre Dame insiders say the Fighting Irish were “blindsided,” having expected to be the front-runners should Riley decommit.
This decision isn’t just a recruiting story. It’s a cultural statement in the NIL era — a declaration that not every athlete will follow the biggest paycheck. Riley’s flip is a reminder that heart, tradition, and vision still carry weight.
With this bold move, Riley hasn’t just chosen a school. He’s ignited a fire — and possibly, a new chapter in Nebraska football history.
