5-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Rejecting $8.7 Million, Decommits from LSU, and Flips to Oklahoma Sooners Over Notre Dame and Georgia
In a stunning turn of events, the college football landscape was shaken when 5-star quarterback phenom Jaxon Mitchell announced his decision to decommit from LSU, spurning a reported $8.7 million NIL deal, and instead committing to the Oklahoma Sooners. The highly touted prospect’s decision sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, as many had expected him to choose between Notre Dame and Georgia after leaving LSU. However, in a move that has both analysts and fans buzzing, Mitchell declared that Oklahoma was the best place for his future.
A Recruiting Saga for the Ages
Mitchell, the nation’s top-rated quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, had been committed to LSU for nearly a year. His pledge to the Tigers was seen as a game-changer for head coach Brian Kelly, as LSU aimed to solidify its quarterback depth for the coming seasons. However, as National Signing Day approached, rumors began to circulate that Mitchell was reconsidering his commitment.
LSU’s coaching staff, boosters, and fans worked hard to reassure Mitchell of their vision for him, reportedly presenting him with an NIL package worth approximately $8.7 million over his collegiate career. But money was not the deciding factor for the young signal-caller.
“I appreciate everything LSU did for me, and it was a tough decision,” Mitchell stated in an interview. “But at the end of the day, I had to follow my heart. The relationship I built with Coach Brent Venables and Coach Jeff Lebby at Oklahoma, the offensive system they run, and the way I see myself developing there made it clear that Norman is where I belong.”
Why Oklahoma?
Mitchell’s decision to flip to Oklahoma shocked the recruiting world, given that Georgia and Notre Dame were seen as his most likely landing spots after decommitting from LSU. The Sooners, who have long been known for developing elite quarterbacks, made a strong late push that convinced Mitchell to trust in their program.
The Sooners have built a reputation for grooming quarterbacks into NFL-ready talents, with names like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts emerging as success stories in recent years. Oklahoma’s offensive system is designed to maximize a quarterback’s strengths, and Mitchell saw an opportunity to thrive in an environment tailored to his skill set.
“I want to be in a system that allows me to make plays, use my athleticism, and learn from coaches who have developed quarterbacks at the highest level,” Mitchell said. “Oklahoma gives me that, and I’m excited to be a Sooner.”
How This Impacts LSU, Notre Dame, and Georgia
LSU’s Big Loss
For LSU, Mitchell’s decommitment represents a significant blow. The Tigers had built much of their future offensive plans around him, believing he would be their next great quarterback. The loss leaves LSU scrambling to solidify their 2025 class, and they will now have to pivot to other quarterback targets, potentially dipping into the transfer portal for reinforcements.
Coach Brian Kelly expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic. “We respect Jaxon’s decision, and we wish him nothing but success at Oklahoma,” Kelly said. “Recruiting is always evolving, and we’ll continue to find the right talent for LSU.”
Notre Dame and Georgia Fall Short
Notre Dame and Georgia were both heavily involved in Mitchell’s recruitment after he reopened his commitment. Notre Dame had positioned itself as an attractive option due to its strong academic reputation, an improved offensive approach under Marcus Freeman, and its push for NIL deals to remain competitive in modern recruiting.
Georgia, on the other hand, offered a powerhouse program with a history of competing for national championships and developing top-tier NFL talent. However, Georgia’s pro-style system may not have appealed to Mitchell as much as Oklahoma’s spread attack.
Despite strong pitches from both programs, Mitchell ultimately chose the Sooners. His decision highlights the importance of fit over tradition and even financial incentives.
NIL and the Changing Landscape of Recruiting
One of the biggest takeaways from Mitchell’s decision is his willingness to forgo a massive NIL deal in favor of a program that he believes will best prepare him for long-term success. In the modern era of college football, NIL opportunities have dramatically changed recruiting, with players often making decisions based on financial incentives as much as coaching and development.
However, Mitchell’s choice to prioritize system fit and coaching over money underscores an emerging trend—elite prospects still value their long-term potential over short-term financial gains.
“If you develop properly and make it to the NFL, the money will come,” said an anonymous recruiting analyst. “Mitchell is showing maturity beyond his years by choosing the program that he believes will help him reach that level instead of just taking the biggest check.”
What’s Next for Oklahoma?
With Mitchell’s commitment, Oklahoma solidifies itself as a major player in the 2025 recruiting class. The Sooners now boast one of the most exciting offensive prospects in the country, and his addition will likely attract even more talent to Norman.
Coach Brent Venables, known for his defensive expertise, has made a strong push to maintain Oklahoma’s status as an elite program in both the Big 12 and beyond. Adding Mitchell to the roster ensures that the Sooners’ offensive identity remains potent, giving them a potential star quarterback to build around for the future.
“This is a program-changing commitment,” said one Oklahoma insider. “Mitchell is the type of player who can take a team to the College Football Playoff and beyond.”
The Bigger Picture
Mitchell’s recruitment saga will go down as one of the most dramatic in recent history, given the high stakes and the unexpected nature of his decision. His willingness to reject a massive NIL deal, decommit from LSU, and choose Oklahoma over two blue-blood programs in Notre Dame and Georgia speaks volumes about the current state of college football.
It also highlights the importance of quarterback development and coaching. Oklahoma’s recent history of producing successful quarterbacks made a compelling case, and Mitchell’s belief in the program’s ability to help him achieve his NFL dreams proved to be the decisive factor.
As National Signing Day approaches, all eyes will be on Norman to see how Mitchell’s commitment impacts the rest of the 2025 class. One thing is for certain—his decision has already left a lasting impression on the college football world.