Breaking News: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Rejecting $7.5 Million, Decommits from Tennessee Vols, and Flips Commitment to Nebraska Cornhuskers Over Notre Dame and Georgia Bulldogs
In a seismic shift that’s sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Ricks has officially decommitted from the University of Tennessee and announced his stunning commitment to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, rejecting a reported $7.5 million NIL package in the process. The decision, confirmed late Saturday night via a live stream on Ricks’ Instagram, left fans, coaches, and analysts scrambling to make sense of one of the most dramatic recruitment flips in recent memory.
Ricks, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback from Allen, Texas, is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class. Ranked No. 2 overall by 247Sports and the No. 1 quarterback by Rivals, his arm strength, pocket presence, and playmaking ability have drawn comparisons to NFL star Josh Allen. Originally committed to the Tennessee Volunteers in July 2024, Ricks was expected to be the centerpiece of their future offense. The Vols had reportedly crafted a record-setting NIL package worth $7.5 million in endorsements, appearances, and incentives.
But in a stunning twist, Ricks walked away from the money and the bright lights of Knoxville. After visiting Lincoln for Nebraska’s spring game in April, he said he “felt something different.” In a brief but emotional statement Saturday night, he said, “This was never about money. It’s about legacy, culture, and building something real. Coach Rhule believes in me not just as a player, but as a leader. I want to be part of a true rebuild, where I’m not just another star—I’m the foundation.”
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, in his third season leading the Huskers, has been quietly laying the groundwork for a renaissance. Ricks is now the highest-rated quarterback to ever commit to Nebraska, signaling a possible turning point for the storied but recently struggling program.
Sources close to the situation reveal that both Notre Dame and Georgia made last-minute pushes. The Fighting Irish offered an academically elite environment and a pro-style offense tailored to Ricks’ skills, while Georgia flaunted a national championship pedigree and a fast track to the NFL. Still, Ricks turned them all down—choosing to carve a new path in the heartland.
Recruiting insiders are calling this the most shocking flip since Travis Hunter’s last-minute decision to leave Florida State for Jackson State in 2021. NIL analysts believe Ricks’ decision could have ripple effects on how top recruits view money versus opportunity and long-term development.
Nebraska fans, meanwhile, are in full celebration mode. Within an hour of the announcement, #RicksToLincoln trended No. 1 on X (formerly Twitter), and thousands of fans flooded Memorial Stadium to light red flares in celebration.
For a program searching for its return to national prominence, Jalen Ricks might be more than just a recruit—he could be the spark that reignites a dynasty.
