Breaking News: 5-Star QB Stuns College Football World by Rejecting $8.7 Million, Flips Commitment from Texas Longhorns to Texas Tech
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, 5-star quarterback phenom Jalen Ricks has decommitted from the Texas Longhorns, rejecting an eye-popping $8.7 million in reported NIL offers, and announced his new commitment to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Even more surprising, Ricks passed up overtures from perennial powerhouses Alabama and Georgia to make the move.
Ricks, ranked as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 class, had been a solid Texas commit since early 2024. The Austin-based program believed it had secured its future under center. However, sources close to the player say that Ricks began having second thoughts in recent months, citing a desire for a more grounded environment and stronger personal connections with the coaching staff.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media Monday morning, Ricks wrote:
“After much prayer, conversations with my family, and reflection, I’ve decided to decommit from the University of Texas. This was not an easy decision, but it’s one I feel called to make. I will now be committing to Texas Tech University, where I believe I can grow not just as a player, but as a man.”
The quarterback’s shocking decision comes despite multiple NIL collectives, including Texas’s own Horns NIL and several national sponsors, reportedly offering a combined package nearing $8.7 million — a record-setting figure for a player who has yet to throw a collegiate pass. Ricks’ decision to leave that money on the table has already sparked debates across sports talk shows and social media, with many praising his values and others questioning the long-term financial implications.
Texas Tech, under head coach Joey McGuire, has been steadily rebuilding its program, and Ricks’ commitment is seen as a massive coup. McGuire, known for his player-first approach and dynamic offensive scheme, personally visited Ricks multiple times this spring.
“This isn’t just a win for Texas Tech football — it’s a statement,” one Big 12 analyst noted. “Ricks could have gone anywhere, and he chose Lubbock. That speaks volumes.”
As for Alabama and Georgia, both were considered finalists alongside Texas until the final moments, but sources say Ricks was drawn to the idea of blazing his own trail rather than following in the footsteps of recent national champions.
With this shocking flip, Texas Tech instantly becomes a national storyline heading into the 2025 season, and Jalen Ricks may have just redefined what it means to choose “fit over fame” in the NIL era.