In a stunning and unexpected turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback recruit Jalen Reeves has officially decommitted from Michigan State University, rejecting an eye-popping $8.5 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) package. Instead, Reeves announced his commitment to the Auburn Tigers, snubbing both the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Georgia Bulldogs in the process.
Reeves, ranked as the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the 2025 recruiting class by several national services, made his announcement via a live social media stream attended by tens of thousands of fans, reporters, and college football analysts. His decision comes after months of speculation regarding his future, as he remained one of the most closely watched recruits in the nation.
What makes this move even more astonishing is Reeves’ decision to walk away from the lucrative $8.5 million NIL offer reportedly extended to him by boosters connected to Michigan State. The offer would have made him one of the highest-earning college athletes in the country before even taking a collegiate snap. Sources close to the quarterback indicate that Reeves was not motivated solely by financial gain and was seeking a program that aligned more closely with his personal values, development goals, and offensive system.
“Auburn felt like home,” Reeves stated during his announcement. “Coach Freeze laid out a vision that made sense not just for my football career, but for my growth as a leader and a student of the game. I’m betting on myself—and betting on Auburn.”
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze is known for developing quarterbacks and running innovative offensive schemes, which likely played a crucial role in Reeves’ decision. The Tigers, who have been rebuilding their program in the fiercely competitive SEC, now land a transformational talent who could serve as a cornerstone for years to come.
The ripple effect of this commitment is already being felt across the country. Notre Dame and Georgia, both considered strong contenders for Reeves, must now pivot to other targets. Meanwhile, Michigan State is left reeling, not just from the loss of a generational quarterback prospect, but from the realization that even massive NIL incentives may not be enough to secure top-tier talent in today’s fluid recruiting environment.
As college football continues to evolve in the NIL era, Reeves’ decision sends a powerful message: for some elite athletes, culture, coaching, and long-term fit still matter more than money. Auburn fans, needless to say, are celebrating what could be a program-defining commitment.