Breaking News: Five-Star Quarterback Shocks Nation, Turns Down $88.10M to Join Nebraska
In an unprecedented move that has rocked the college football world, five-star quarterback phenom Jaxon Reid has officially decommitted from the University of Texas, rejecting an estimated $88.10 million in NIL deals, and instead pledged his commitment to the Nebraska Cornhuskers—over perennial powerhouses Ohio State and Alabama.
The 18-year-old Reid, the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the 2025 class, made the announcement early Saturday morning via a simple social media post: a photo of him in a classic red Nebraska jersey with the caption, “Legacy over luxury. GBR.” The post sent shockwaves through the sport, garnering over 10 million views in under 12 hours.
Sources close to Reid confirmed that Texas boosters, through collectives and partnerships, had secured nearly $90 million in endorsement potential across national brands, cryptocurrency companies, and sportswear deals. Yet Reid, known for his old-school approach and disciplined mindset, walked away from it all.
“I’m not chasing a check. I’m chasing greatness,” Reid said in an exclusive interview with ESPN. “Nebraska believed in me as a player and a person—not a product. They showed me a vision that’s bigger than money. It’s about building something that lasts.”
The decision sent recruiting analysts scrambling. Just last week, Reid had reaffirmed his commitment to Texas during a post-game interview at the Elite 11 Finals. Behind the scenes, however, Nebraska head coach Marcus Donovan was working tirelessly to flip the generational talent. Sources reveal Donovan met with Reid and his family three times in person in the past month, selling not just a football program, but a cultural rebirth.
Nebraska hasn’t won a national championship since 1997, and the program has struggled in recent years. But Donovan, in just his second year, has quickly changed the tone in Lincoln. With Reid now on board, Nebraska’s 2025 recruiting class jumps from No. 18 to No. 4 nationally, ahead of USC, Georgia, and yes—Texas.
What makes this move even more compelling is Reid’s decision to choose Nebraska over Ohio State and Alabama, both of which had rolled out red carpet visits that included private jets, celebrity alumni, and in Alabama’s case, a direct meeting with NFL stars Jalen Hurts and Bryce Young. But Reid wasn’t swayed.
“This is about being the spark,” said Donovan during a press conference. “Jaxon is a once-in-a-generation leader. He didn’t just commit to Nebraska. He committed to building a legacy.”
As for Texas, the loss is significant. Coach Steve Sarkisian now scrambles to fill the void just weeks before fall camp, with few elite options left on the board. Meanwhile, the eyes of the college football world turn to Lincoln, Nebraska—because in an era dominated by money and mega-deals, one teenager just rewrote the rules.
