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NO: 5-Star QB Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from Mountaineers, Flips Commitment to LSU Tigers Over Powerhouses Penn State, Tennessee
Landon Prescott has officially flipped his commitment from the West Virginia Mountaineers to the LSU Tigers, choosing Brian Kelly’s program over blue-blood giants Penn State and Tennessee. The decision comes just months after Prescott gave a strong verbal pledge to the Mountaineers, seemingly cementing himself as the face of West Virginia’s future under head coach Neal Brown.
Instead, the top-ranked quarterback in the 2025 class has pulled off a dramatic flip that has not only elevated LSU’s recruiting class into the national top five but also dramatically shifted the quarterback recruiting market with major implications for several Power Five programs.
But behind the scenes, momentum had begun shifting.
Sources close to Prescott’s camp indicate that LSU’s relentless pursuit, led by offensive coordinator Joe Sloan and head coach Brian Kelly, had intensified over the last month. Prescott was reportedly blown away by the Tigers’ quarterback development plan, their NIL infrastructure, and—perhaps most importantly—the opportunity to step into a competitive SEC environment where he could showcase his elite skill set on the biggest stage in college football.
Prescott explained his decision in a statement posted to social media that read in part:
“West Virginia has shown me nothing but love, and this decision was not easy. But after much prayer and conversations with my family, I have decided to decommit and commit to Louisiana State University. Coach Kelly and Coach Sloan have a vision that aligns with my goals as a student-athlete and future professional.”
The Tigers, who are eyeing a resurgence in the SEC following the departure of Jayden Daniels to the NFL, now have their quarterback of the future. Landon Prescott brings everything you’d want in a modern quarterback: a cannon for an arm, high-level football IQ, and the legs to make defenses pay.
At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, the Georgia native has drawn comparisons to Caleb Williams for his improvisational skills and deep-ball accuracy. Prescott threw for over 3,900 yards and rushed for nearly 900 more during his junior season at Peachtree High, earning All-American honors and Gatorade Player of the Year recognition in Georgia.
The ripple effect of this flip cannot be overstated—especially for the Mountaineers, who had built much of their 2025 recruiting momentum around Prescott. He was supposed to be the crown jewel, the face of the next era in Morgantown. His decommitment leaves a massive hole at the most important position on the field and raises serious questions about Neal Brown’s ability to secure and develop elite talent.
Prescott’s flip is also likely to affect the commitments of two high-profile wide receivers—4-star targets who had verbally committed to West Virginia, in large part due to their desire to play alongside him.
West Virginia fans were understandably gutted by the news. Social media quickly filled with reactions ranging from shock to anger, with many pointing fingers at the rise of NIL deals and the pressure cooker environment of SEC recruiting.
This move also left both Penn State and Tennessee stunned. Both programs had been heavily involved in Prescott’s recruitment from the beginning and were seen as likely destinations if a flip were ever to occur.
Penn State, in particular, had put together a strong pitch. Head coach James Franklin made several in-home visits, and the Nittany Lions even had Prescott on campus for their annual Blue-White game, hoping to use their Big Ten pedigree and elite defense to lure the playmaker north. Tennessee, meanwhile, rolled out the orange carpet with quarterback coach Joey Halzle offering an aggressive NIL plan and a long-term development track within Josh Heupel’s fast-paced offense.
But in the end, neither could match the combination of LSU’s immediate opportunity, track record of recent quarterback success, and Southern roots.
With Prescott’s commitment, LSU’s 2025 class jumped from No. 7 to No. 3 nationally, according to the latest 247Sports composite rankings. He joins a stacked group that already features elite offensive tackle Damon Stewart, top-100 wide receiver Rashad Quinn, and lockdown corner Jalen Worthy.
Brian Kelly, once criticized for being out of touch in the Southern recruiting scene, has now silenced doubters with one of the most successful quarterback recruiting hauls in recent program history. Prescott is the highest-rated QB to commit to LSU since Russell Shepard in 2009—and unlike Shepard, he’s projected to stay at quarterback.
Recruiting insiders believe LSU may not be done yet. One SEC analyst noted:
“Prescott’s commitment is a magnet. You can expect LSU to land at least two more top-tier offensive weapons in the next six weeks. That’s how much pull a 5-star QB brings.”
Now committed to LSU, Prescott plans to shut down his recruitment entirely. He’s expected to enroll early in January 2026 and compete in spring ball, where the Tigers will likely be in the early stages of a quarterback transition following the departure of current starter Garrett Nussmeier.
More than just a headline-grabbing recruit, Prescott is a proven leader. He’s known for his meticulous film study habits, quiet confidence, and work ethic. He’s already reached out to LSU’s current commits, forming a group chat to build chemistry months before they step on campus together.
He’s also expected to be featured heavily in LSU’s national media branding and NIL campaigns, with early projections suggesting he could sign deals worth over $1.5 million by the time he graduates high school—making him one of the most marketable players in the 2025 class.
Prescott’s flip is another case study in how the NIL era has dramatically changed the recruitment landscape. While LSU’s development plan and football vision were key factors, insiders confirm that the Tigers’ structured NIL collective presented Prescott with a significantly more enticing offer than what West Virginia or Penn State could provide.
Tennessee reportedly came close but fell short on long-term structure guarantees and player-driven incentives. West Virginia, while aggressive in their own right, simply couldn’t match the SEC’s recruiting firepower.
It’s a harsh reminder for mid-level Power Five programs that retaining 5-star talent often requires more than relationships—it requires resources, infrastructure, and national visibility.
In a year filled with recruiting twists and surprises, stands out as one of the most consequential moves in the 2025 cycle. It dramatically reshapes the future of three major programs and instantly elevates LSU into a new tier of title contention.
Prescott’s presence in Baton Rouge will be felt the moment he steps foot on campus. For LSU, it’s a potential Heisman-caliber player. For West Virginia, it’s a painful reminder of the volatility of modern recruiting. And for Penn State and Tennessee? It’s back to the drawing board in the ever-competitive race for elite quarterback talent.
This is college football in 2025—fast, fluid, and full of fireworks.