In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback Jalen Richards has decommitted from the Florida Gators and flipped his commitment to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, turning down a reported $7.5 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in the process.
Richards, a 6’3”, 205-pound dual-threat phenom out of Atlanta, Georgia, had been verbally committed to the University of Florida since early February. Regarded as one of the most electrifying high school quarterbacks in recent memory, he had drawn interest from nearly every top-tier football program in the country. His final shortlist included Florida, Notre Dame, Florida State, and Nebraska.
What makes this decision even more surprising is that Richards reportedly turned down lucrative NIL packages from both Florida and Florida State, each rumored to be in the $7.5 million range. While NIL has increasingly shaped college football recruiting over the last two years, Richards cited culture, development, and legacy over financial incentives.
“Money can come and go, but the opportunity to build something lasting means more to me,” Richards said in a statement posted to his social media accounts. “Nebraska believes in me not just as a player, but as a person. I want to be part of their comeback story.”
Nebraska, once a dominant force in college football, has struggled to reclaim its former glory in the modern era. However, under head coach Matt Rhule, the Cornhuskers have made steady strides toward rebuilding a competitive program. The commitment from Richards is being hailed as a program-defining moment.
“This is huge,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Nebraska just landed arguably the top quarterback in the nation, and they did it against schools with stronger recent resumes and bigger NIL money. This tells us that something special is brewing in Lincoln.”
Florida Gators fans were left reeling from the unexpected decommitment, especially given the Gators’ heavy investment in Richards’ recruitment. The loss is a significant blow to Florida’s 2025 class, which had been ranked in the top five nationally. Meanwhile, both Notre Dame and Florida State were reportedly caught off guard by the last-minute switch, with insiders claiming Richards gave no clear indication he was leaning toward Nebraska.
Nebraska fans, on the other hand, are jubilant. Richards becomes the highest-rated quarterback to commit to the Cornhuskers since recruiting rankings began. His decision signals a new era for Nebraska football — one focused not just on nostalgia, but on building a sustainable, elite program in the modern age.
With early signing day still months away, the college football world will be watching closely to see if Richards stays firm in his commitment. But for now, the message is clear: Nebraska football is back on the map — and it’s thanks to a 17-year-old who chose vision over millions.
