Breaking News: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $7.5 Million, Decommits from Florida Gators, and Flips Commitment to Arizona State Over Notre Dame and Florida
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback prospect Jalen Harris has officially decommitted from the Florida Gators, turning down an unprecedented $7.5 million NIL offer. What makes this development even more extraordinary is Harris’s decision to flip his commitment to Arizona State University, choosing the Sun Devils over both Florida and Notre Dame, programs long considered front-runners in his recruitment.
Jalen Harris, regarded as one of the nation’s top quarterback recruits in the 2025 class, had initially committed to Florida in what was believed to be a done deal after months of heavy recruitment. The Gators had made a historic offer to Harris, reportedly worth $7.5 million in NIL deals, one of the largest ever extended to a high school athlete. This offer included multi-year endorsements, equity in local businesses, and a guaranteed NIL income that would have catapulted Harris into the elite tier of compensated collegiate athletes.
However, despite the massive financial incentive and the prestige of playing for a storied SEC program, Harris surprised fans and analysts alike by announcing his decision to decommit from Florida during a nationally televised press conference. Speaking with calm confidence, Harris cited “the best fit for my growth both on and off the field” as the primary reason for his switch. He emphasized his desire to develop in a system that would prepare him for the NFL, highlighting Arizona State’s coaching staff, offensive scheme, and player development track record as key factors influencing his decision.
Arizona State, a program that has struggled in recent years to regain its foothold in the Pac-12, immediately seized the opportunity. The Sun Devils have been aggressively rebuilding under head coach Marcus Tanner, who has brought in innovative offensive coordinators and revamped the team’s recruiting strategy. Landing Harris is considered a game-changing moment for the program, potentially altering the trajectory of the Sun Devils for years to come.
Notre Dame, who had been Harris’s final contender along with Florida, expressed respect for the young quarterback’s decision but acknowledged the blow it dealt to their hopes of securing a marquee talent. Notre Dame’s recruiting director remarked, “Jalen’s decision shows how dynamic and competitive the recruiting landscape has become, especially with NIL opportunities influencing young athletes’ choices.”
This move also reignites the ongoing debate about the impact of NIL money on college recruiting. Many analysts believe Harris’s choice reflects a growing trend where athletes are weighing financial opportunities alongside traditional considerations like program prestige and playing time. Turning down $7.5 million from Florida is unprecedented, yet Harris’s choice to join a rebuilding program shows a maturity in assessing long-term career growth beyond immediate monetary gain.
The reaction from Florida fans and college football pundits has been mixed—shock, disappointment, and a grudging admiration for Harris’s boldness. Meanwhile, Arizona State’s fan base has erupted in excitement, hopeful that Harris’s arrival will signal a new era of competitiveness and national relevance.
In summary, Jalen Harris’s decision to decommit from Florida and flip to Arizona State despite a historic $7.5 million NIL offer is one of the most dramatic recruiting stories in recent college football history. It highlights the evolving dynamics of college athletics where financial, developmental, and personal factors all intersect, and it sets the stage for a thrilling next chapter in Harris’s collegiate career and the future of Arizona State football.
