5-Star QB Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from Arizona State, Flips Commitment to LSU Tigers Over Powerhouses Penn State, Tennessee and More
In one of the most stunning twists of the 2025 recruiting cycle, 5-star quarterback Malachi Nelson Jr. sent shockwaves across the college football landscape by announcing his decommitment from Arizona State and immediate flip to Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers, spurning heavyweights like Penn State, Tennessee, and Oregon in the process. The move not only reshapes LSU’s quarterback room for the foreseeable future, but also reinforces the program’s growing status as a national powerhouse under Kelly’s guidance.
The son of former USC standout and short-lived NFL QB Malachi Nelson Sr., Nelson Jr. is a consensus top-10 national prospect and is widely regarded as one of the most polished quarterback talents of the last decade. The California native initially committed to Arizona State in a surprising move last fall, citing a desire to blaze his own path under then-second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham. But in recent months, whispers of a potential flip began to surface—and on Tuesday morning, the quarterback made it official.
“After a lot of prayer, discussion with my family, and careful consideration, I’ve decided to decommit from Arizona State University and will be continuing my football and academic career at Louisiana State University,” Nelson wrote on social media. “I’ve got mad love for ASU and everyone there, but this is what’s best for me.”
The post immediately went viral, generating tens of thousands of likes and retweets within hours, and prompting reaction from fans, players, coaches, and analysts alike. What followed was a whirlwind of speculation and insight into how LSU managed to land arguably the most coveted quarterback in the nation.
A Recruitment Unlike Any Other
Nelson’s recruitment had already defied convention from the beginning. Rated as the No. 1 quarterback in the West and the No. 2 overall QB in the country by 247Sports Composite, most recruiting insiders expected Nelson to land with a traditional blue blood early—programs like Ohio State, Georgia, or Alabama. But instead, he committed to Arizona State during his junior season, citing the appeal of a young coaching staff, innovative offense, and a desire to help “build something special.”
For several months, Nelson appeared locked in with the Sun Devils, actively recruiting other top talent to Tempe and forging relationships with future teammates. But beneath the surface, sources say, Nelson remained open to evaluating other opportunities. LSU, in particular, never stopped pursuing him.
LSU’s Persistent Pursuit
LSU’s interest in Nelson goes back nearly two years. Quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock were reportedly enamored with his quick release, poise under pressure, and advanced field vision. But when Nelson initially committed to Arizona State, LSU pivoted to other targets, eventually securing a pledge from 4-star signal caller D.J. Sutherland. However, when Nelson’s camp quietly reopened discussions in early March, the Tigers didn’t hesitate.
Brian Kelly and staff rolled out the red carpet. Nelson was flown in for a secretive mid-week visit in late March, and the LSU staff presented a vision that wowed the young quarterback and his family: an SEC title contender with a proven development plan, elite weapons on offense, and a coaching staff that had helped Jayden Daniels morph into a Heisman Trophy finalist and first-round NFL Draft pick.
Sources close to the situation confirmed that Kelly made Nelson a top priority, even taking time away from spring practices to meet privately with the quarterback and his family. That level of commitment resonated.
The Final Four: LSU, Penn State, Tennessee, Oregon
While LSU emerged as the favorite over the last two weeks, Nelson still gave serious consideration to Penn State, Tennessee, and Oregon—three programs that pitched compelling cases.
Penn State offered early playing time in a pro-style offense under OC Andy Kotelnicki, and James Franklin’s staff had recruited Nelson hard since he was a sophomore.
Tennessee leaned into its quarterback-friendly system under Josh Heupel and the allure of following in the footsteps of Hendon Hooker and Nico Iamaleava.
Oregon, meanwhile, offered a West Coast comfort zone, a lucrative NIL structure, and a chance to run the offense under Dan Lanning and new OC Will Stein.
But it was LSU that ultimately had the total package—on-field pedigree, NFL development, a surging brand, and a family-like atmosphere that the Nelsons fell in love with.
Fallout in Tempe
For Arizona State, the loss is gut-wrenching.
Nelson was seen as the linchpin of the Sun Devils’ 2025 class, a magnetic personality who drew in talent and gave the program credibility. Losing him not only damages their future quarterback outlook, but could create a ripple effect of decommitments among other offensive weapons who had committed under the belief they’d be catching passes from Nelson.
Coach Dillingham issued a brief but classy response, writing on X:
“We appreciate everything Malachi and his family brought to this process. Wish him nothing but the best at LSU. The Sun Devils will keep climbing.”
Still, there’s no denying the sting. Arizona State had managed to vault into the national recruiting conversation because of Nelson’s early pledge. Now, the Sun Devils must regroup.
What This Means for LSU
For LSU, the implications are enormous.
The Tigers now boast the No. 2 overall recruiting class in 2025, and their quarterback room just got an infusion of elite talent. Nelson is expected to compete for the starting role as early as his freshman year in Baton Rouge, though redshirt sophomore Rickie Collins and transfer phenom Garrett Nussmeier may still hold down the job temporarily.
More importantly, Nelson’s arrival could spark a domino effect in LSU’s class. Top-100 wide receivers like Kameron Hamilton and Deion McKnight—both uncommitted but high on LSU’s board—are reportedly now leaning toward joining Nelson in Baton Rouge. The buzz is real.
Analyst Charles Power from On3 Sports put it simply:
“LSU just flipped the future of its program. Malachi Nelson is a guy who can change everything. He’s got Trevor Lawrence-like polish with Caleb Williams-type improvisation. This is a game-changer.”
Nelson’s Skill Set: NFL Bound?
Nelson’s game is a rare blend of old-school mechanics and modern flair. At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, he displays a compact throwing motion, excellent footwork, and elite anticipation. His junior season highlights show a quarterback capable of executing reads at all three levels of the field, while also creating when the pocket collapses.
In 12 games at Los Alamitos High School, he threw for 3,822 yards and 43 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions. He added 386 rushing yards and 7 scores on the ground, proving he’s a dual-threat in every sense.
Former NFL QB Trent Dilfer, who coached Nelson at the Elite 11 Finals last summer, said:
“Malachi’s mind is 2-3 years ahead of his peers. The arm talent is there. The athleticism is there. But his processing speed and composure in chaos—that’s what sets him apart. LSU got a Sunday player.”
What Comes Next
Nelson plans to enroll early at LSU in January 2026, meaning he’ll go through spring practice and position himself for a rapid ascension. Between now and then, he’ll serve as the face of LSU’s recruiting class and participate in national showcases like the All-American Bowl and the Elite 11 Finals.
Expect NIL opportunities to follow as well. Though the details are undisclosed, sources say LSU’s collective had a compelling presentation for Nelson and his family—one that emphasized education, mentorship, and brand building, not just money.
Final Thoughts
In a college football era defined by unpredictability and ever-evolving landscapes, Malachi Nelson Jr.’s commitment flip from Arizona State to LSU stands as a defining moment. It underscores not just the volatility of modern recruiting, but also the increasing sophistication of programs like LSU in targeting, attracting, and closing on elite talent.
Brian Kelly promised to bring national championships back to Baton Rouge. With a quarterback like Nelson in the pipeline, that goal feels not only attainable—but perhaps inevitable.