Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $6.7 Million, Decommits from Colorado, and Flips Commitment to Arizona State Over Notre Dame and Florida State
In an era dominated by deals, where top recruits follow the money as much as the prestige, high school quarterback phenom Jaxon “Jet” Barnes stunned the college football universe on Monday. The No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the nation decommitted from Coach Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes, turning down a reported $6.7 million NIL package, and instead committed to the Arizona State Sun Devils—spurning blue-bloods Notre Dame and Florida State in the process.
The 18-year-old Barnes, a 6’4”, 215-pound rocket-armed prodigy from Allen, Texas, made the announcement via a live Instagram broadcast, flanked by his family and wearing a crisp maroon Arizona State hoodie.
“I’m choosing legacy over luxury,” Barnes said. “I want to build something. I want to lead. Tempe is where I see my future, not just in football, but in life.”
This move immediately sent shockwaves across the recruiting landscape. Barnes had been committed to Colorado for nine months and was expected to be the cornerstone of Coach Prime’s 2025 class. His decommitment is seen as a major blow to Sanders’ high-profile rebuilding effort in Boulder, especially considering the financial package that had been meticulously assembled by Colorado’s collective.
Sources close to Barnes say that while the NIL offers from both Colorado and Florida State were lucrative—FSU reportedly had a $5.2 million offer—his final decision came down to culture, coaching philosophy, and long-term development. Notre Dame’s academic pitch nearly swayed him, but the relentless pursuit by Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo sealed the deal.
“Coach Arroyo broke down how I’d be used, not just as a quarterback, but as a weapon,” Barnes told Rivals. “They’re building an NFL-style system tailored to my skillset. It’s not about hype—it’s about results.”
Barnes’ decision instantly elevates Arizona State’s 2025 class to No. 6 nationally, a meteoric rise for a program that finished 3-9 last season. Head Coach Kenny Dillingham, who just turned 35, called Barnes “the most important Sun Devil commitment in a generation.”
“This is more than a recruit—it’s a signal,” Dillingham said at a press conference. “Jaxon Barnes could’ve gone anywhere. He chose to be the foundation of something historic.”
Reactions around the country have been mixed. Some critics blasted Barnes for walking away from generational wealth, while others praised his maturity.
“You don’t see this kind of decision anymore,” ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit said. “He’s betting on himself and on Arizona State. That’s rare, and honestly, kind of inspiring.”
In a time where athletes are often defined by their dollar value, Barnes has chosen vision over valuation. His journey at Arizona State will be watched closely—not just for wins and stats—but as a case study in choosing purpose over profit.
