Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $7.6 Million, Decommits from Bengal, and Flips Commitment to Pann State Over Notre Dame and Florida State
In a seismic twist that sent shockwaves through the college football world, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen “Jet” Rivers has flipped his commitment from the powerhouse Bengal program and stunningly chosen Pann State, spurning two bluebloods—Notre Dame and Florida State—in the process. The most jaw-dropping detail? Rivers reportedly turned down a staggering $7.6 million in NIL deals tied to his original commitment.
The 6-foot-4 dual-threat out of Houston, Texas, ranked No. 1 in the 2025 QB class, was widely considered the crown jewel of this recruiting cycle. Initially committed to the Bengal Tigers—a program known for cultivating Heisman-caliber quarterbacks—Rivers seemed locked in after signing a preliminary NIL endorsement deal that included equity in a national sports drink brand and a reality docuseries. But in a move described as both bold and baffling, Rivers decommitted late Monday night via a cryptic Instagram story: “Legacy over luxury. #UncommonRoad.”
That post lit a firestorm online.
Analysts were stunned. Fans were enraged. Boosters were furious. And the sports world? Obsessed.
What makes this decision even more polarizing is Rivers’ choice of Pann State—a gritty, defensive-minded program with no national title since the early 1980s. Critics are already calling it “the dumbest business decision in NIL history,” with one anonymous scout saying, “He basically turned down generational wealth for a run-heavy offense and cold winters.”
But Rivers sees something different.
“I’m not chasing the money. I’m chasing greatness,” Rivers said during a surprise appearance on College GameDay. “Pann State is building something real. Coach Freeman’s vision is bigger than a brand deal. It’s about legacy, brotherhood, and rewriting history.”
His spurning of Notre Dame and Florida State only added fuel to the fire. Both schools reportedly offered NIL packages approaching the $5 million mark, including performance bonuses, national advertising, and custom apparel lines. Yet Rivers walked away from all of it, citing concerns about “culture fit” and “too much corporate pressure.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Walker didn’t mince words. “We’re disappointed. But we want players who want to win here—not build their brand first.”
Meanwhile, Pann State fans are calling Rivers “The Prophet” and “The Savior.” Within hours, ticket sales spiked. Jerseys with “JET7” printed across the back sold out. Overnight, Pann State went from a middle-tier Big Ten hopeful to a national headline.
Whether Rivers’ controversial decision pays off is still unknown. But one thing is clear: in the age of NIL and transfer portals, Rivers has rewritten the recruiting script. He’s betting on culture over cash. And if he succeeds, he won’t just change the fate of a football program—he might just change college football itself.
For better or worse, Jalen “Jet” Rivers is officially all in.
