5-Star QB Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from Riddell, Flips Commitment to Arizona State Over Powerhouses Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia Bulldogs
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Marcus “MJ” Jefferson has officially decommitted from the University of Riddell and announced his commitment to Arizona State University, turning down offers from perennial powerhouses Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia. The unexpected flip has left recruiting analysts scrambling and college football fans nationwide buzzing.
Jefferson, a 6’4”, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback from Gainesville, Florida, is widely regarded as the top QB prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. Known for his cannon-like arm, surgical precision, and deceptive speed, Jefferson threw for 3,782 yards and 41 touchdowns while rushing for another 1,050 yards and 14 scores during his junior year at Eastside High. He had been a verbal commit to Riddell—a rising but non-Power 5 program known for its unorthodox offensive schemes—since January. Many saw his commitment as a symbol of changing tides in recruiting, with elite talent seeking alternative paths.
But on Thursday morning, Jefferson shocked the football world with a succinct but seismic post on social media: “I want to thank the University of Riddell for believing in me first. After much prayer, reflection, and discussion with my family, I’ve decided to decommit and commit to Arizona State University. Forks Up!”
Sources close to the Jefferson family say the decision came after a private visit to Tempe last weekend, where new head coach Antonio Pierce—a former Sun Devil standout and NFL linebacker—presented a vision that “felt like home.” Pierce, who has revitalized the Arizona State program since taking the helm, promised Jefferson the keys to a fast-paced, pro-style offense designed to showcase his NFL potential while also emphasizing education and personal growth.
“It wasn’t about glitz or NIL money,” said Marcus Jefferson Sr., the quarterback’s father and a former high school coach. “It was about culture, trust, and opportunity. ASU just felt right.”
The decision is a significant coup for Arizona State, which has struggled to compete for blue-chip talent against SEC giants. Jefferson’s flip is arguably the biggest recruit commitment in Sun Devils history and is expected to trigger a domino effect, with several high-profile receivers and offensive linemen rumored to be following suit.
Meanwhile, coaches at Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia—each of whom had rolled out the red carpet for Jefferson in recent months—were reportedly blindsided by the news. “We respected his process,” said an anonymous SEC recruiting coordinator. “But this one hurts.”
As for Riddell, the loss is a devastating blow to their momentum as a rising contender. The program had built much of its 2025 strategy around Jefferson’s star power.
With signing day still months away, drama may yet unfold. But one thing is certain: Marcus Jefferson’s decision has redrawn the recruiting map and signaled that Arizona State is no longer a sleeping giant—they’re officially wide awake.
