4-Star Standout Wide Receiver Stuns College Football World By Turning Down $2.5 Million, Decommitting From Clemson Tigers And Choosing Texas A&M Over Florida And Notre Dame
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, four-star wide receiver Malik “Jet” Rollins has flipped his commitment from the Clemson Tigers to the Texas A&M Aggies, turning down a jaw-dropping $2.5 million NIL package reportedly offered by a major booster collective tied to another top SEC program. The 6’2”, 190-pound phenom out of Dallas, Texas made the announcement via a live-streamed press conference at his high school on Saturday afternoon, just hours before the start of the summer dead period.
Clad in a sharp navy blazer, Rollins unzipped a backpack, pulled out a maroon Texas A&M cap, and placed it firmly on his head to a roar of surprise from reporters and family alike. “I’ve prayed on this, I’ve talked with my family, and I’ve decided to take the road less traveled—not the one paved with the biggest check, but the one where I believe I’ll grow the most as a man and an athlete,” Rollins said, his voice steady.
The former Clemson commit had been one of the crown jewels of Dabo Swinney’s 2025 recruiting class. Ranked as the No. 6 wide receiver nationally and No. 42 overall player by 247Sports Composite, Rollins had long been considered a lock for Clemson, having committed early during his junior season. His decommitment last week stunned fans and analysts alike, and rumors swirled about lucrative NIL offers from Florida, Notre Dame, and others.
However, it’s what Rollins turned down that truly caught attention: a $2.5 million NIL deal fronted by a national brand with ties to Florida’s alumni network. According to multiple sources close to the Rollins camp, the offer included a year-long social media campaign, a signature clothing line, and a personal brand mentorship program. “The money was insane, no doubt,” said Rollins’ high school coach, DeMarcus Hightower. “But Malik’s never been driven by flash. He’s old-school in a lot of ways.”
Rollins cited Texas A&M’s wide receiver development under offensive coordinator Collin Klein, as well as its academic support system and proximity to home, as key factors. “They’ve got a plan for me, not just as a player, but as a future businessman, leader, and graduate,” he said.
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko, who took over the program in 2024, praised Rollins’ decision. “This young man has elite talent, but what really sets him apart is his integrity and vision for his future,” Elko said in a statement.
As college football continues to wrestle with the implications of NIL and player mobility, Rollins’ decision stands out—not just for its headline-making nature, but for the rare values it represents.
“This wasn’t a business move,” Rollins concluded. “This was a legacy move.”
