Breaking News: 5-Star QB Stuns College Football World by Rejecting $8.7 Million Decommits from Texas Longhorns and Flips Commitment to Texas Tech Over Powerhouses Alabama and Georgia…………….
Breaking News: 5-Star QB Stuns College Football World by Rejecting $8.7 Million Decommits from Texas Longhorns and Flips Commitment to Texas Tech Over Powerhouses Alabama and Georgia…………….
Lubbock, TX – May 2, 2025
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, 5-star quarterback phenom Jalen Ricks has decommitted from the University of Texas and announced his commitment to Texas Tech University — stunningly turning down multimillion-dollar Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals reportedly worth $8.7 million. Even more surprising, Ricks passed on offers from national powerhouses Alabama and Georgia to join a Red Raiders program looking to return to national prominence.
Ricks, who hails from Frisco, Texas, is widely regarded as the top dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 215 pounds, Ricks has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Lamar Jackson and Caleb Williams. His combination of speed, vision, and a cannon-like arm made him one of the most sought-after recruits in recent memory.
Just months ago, Ricks made headlines by committing to the University of Texas, signaling a major recruiting win for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns. With quarterback Quinn Ewers expected to declare for the NFL Draft and Arch Manning’s future uncertain, Ricks was believed to be the future face of the Texas offense.
That future has now dramatically changed.
“It Was Never About the Money”
In a live-streamed press conference held at his high school Friday morning, Ricks announced the bombshell decision while sitting alongside his parents and head coach.
“I want to thank the University of Texas for everything, but after a lot of prayer, long conversations with my family, and visits that made me feel truly at home, I’ve decided to flip my commitment to Texas Tech University,” Ricks said. “It was never about the money. I’m choosing the school that feels right for me, where I can grow as a person and a quarterback.”
Ricks’ announcement sent shockwaves across social media and recruiting circles not only because of his decision to back off a pledge to Texas, but also due to the fact he rejected lucrative NIL offers from larger, more established programs. Multiple sources confirm Ricks turned down NIL packages worth up to $8.7 million — including offers from Alabama and Georgia, where booster-backed collectives had assembled substantial deals to land the prized quarterback.
Texas Tech’s Unlikely Recruiting Coup
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire, known for his relentless energy and recruiting prowess, has quietly been building a strong program in Lubbock since taking over in 2022. But even McGuire could not have anticipated landing the No. 1 quarterback in the country — particularly over programs with multiple national titles and deeper NIL war chests.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Jalen to the Red Raider family,” McGuire said in a statement released minutes after Ricks’ announcement. “He’s not just a special player; he’s a special person. His decision to choose Texas Tech speaks volumes about his character and vision.”
Ricks cited the Red Raiders’ fast-paced offense, strong relationship with offensive coordinator Zach Kittley, and a campus visit that “felt like home” as key reasons behind his decision.
“This is a program that’s on the rise. They believe in me, and I believe in what they’re building,” Ricks said. “I want to help bring championships to Lubbock.”
The Fallout at Texas — and Beyond
Texas Longhorns fans and coaches were blindsided by the decision. Just weeks ago, Ricks had been the crown jewel of Texas’ 2025 class — a class ranked No. 3 nationally before today’s bombshell. Recruiting analysts now expect Texas to drop out of the top five, and the staff will need to scramble to find a replacement at the most important position in the sport.
One Texas insider told 247Sports that “this was a gut punch — nobody saw it coming.”
Alabama and Georgia, both in the thick of the College Football Playoff picture year after year, had hoped to add Ricks as a potential game-changer. Nick Saban’s successor, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, and Georgia’s Kirby Smart both reportedly made in-home visits in recent weeks to sway Ricks. Both were believed to be in strong contention.
Ricks’ decision is already sparking larger conversations about the evolving landscape of college football recruiting. With NIL money becoming increasingly influential, Ricks’ decision to reject nearly $9 million in favor of a program historically considered outside the top tier is being hailed as a landmark moment.
Reactions Pour In
College football analysts, former players, and fans took to social media in disbelief and admiration.
“Jalen Ricks just made the boldest move in recruiting history,” tweeted ESPN’s Paul Finebaum. “Rejects $8.7M, walks away from Bama and Georgia, and commits to Texas Tech. The kid has guts — and a vision.”
Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III chimed in: “Jalen Ricks has just redefined what recruiting in the NIL era can look like. Hats off to him. This is bigger than football.”
Looking Ahead
With his commitment now firm, Ricks becomes the highest-rated recruit in Texas Tech history and could change the trajectory of the program. His decision may also signal a shift in how elite recruits view their futures — not just through the lens of money or championships, but fit, development, and belief in a program’s vision.
One thing is clear: Jalen Ricks has turned college football on its head.
And the ripple effects are just beginning.
