5-Star QB Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from Wake Forest, Flips Commitment to LSU Tigers Over Powerhouses Penn State, Tennessee and More
In a move that has taken the college football world by surprise, 5-star quarterback prospect Xander Mills has decommitted from Wake Forest University and flipped his commitment to the LSU Tigers, making this one of the most unexpected decisions of the 2025 recruiting cycle. The high-profile quarterback, who had long been committed to Wake Forest, made the announcement on social media late last night, citing LSU’s championship pedigree, development opportunities, and the coaching staff as the key factors in his decision to join the Tigers over several powerhouse programs, including Penn State, Tennessee, and a host of others.
This stunning twist not only shakes up the recruitment landscape but also reshapes the future of LSU’s quarterback position and could send ripple effects throughout the entire college football recruiting world. Let’s break down this move, how it impacts LSU, and the implications it carries for both Wake Forest and the other schools that were heavily involved in Mills’ recruitment.
Xander Mills: A Brief Overview
Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 210 pounds, Xander Mills has all the tools that college football programs crave in a quarterback. With a powerful arm, quick release, and a sense of poise in the pocket, Mills was one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the class of 2025. His ability to throw deep passes with precision and his ability to read defenses made him a coveted recruit. He was initially seen as a major coup for Wake Forest, where he had been committed since his sophomore year of high school.
Mills is also highly respected for his leadership and maturity, which has made him an ideal candidate for any college program looking for a future leader at the quarterback position. His decision to decommit from Wake Forest and flip to LSU has certainly raised some eyebrows, but it’s clear that his desire for competition and a higher profile college football experience played a major role.
The Wake Forest Commitment
Mills’ initial commitment to Wake Forest was considered a big win for the Demon Deacons. Wake Forest is a school that typically doesn’t land the highest-profile prospects in the country, so securing a commitment from a 5-star QB was seen as a major statement by head coach Dave Clawson and his staff. Mills’ decision to commit to Wake Forest as a high school sophomore was hailed as a “get” for the program, signaling that the Demon Deacons were starting to build a solid recruiting foundation.
During his time as a Wake Forest commit, Mills was extremely vocal about his excitement to join the team and his commitment to helping the program continue to build. Wake Forest coaches and fans were confident that Mills could be the key to raising their football program to new heights.
However, as Mills began his final years in high school, it became apparent that other major programs had taken notice of his rising stock. Schools such as LSU, Penn State, and Tennessee had all entered the picture, and as is often the case with highly-ranked recruits, Mills found himself being courted by a variety of high-profile programs, each offering different opportunities.
The LSU Tigers: A Game-Changing Opportunity
The decision to flip to LSU represents a monumental shift in Mills’ recruitment, and it is clear that LSU’s combination of recent success, high-profile coaching, and long-term potential played a large role in his decision. LSU, led by Brian Kelly, has been a force in college football in recent years, consistently competing for SEC titles and national championships.
One of the main factors behind Mills’ decision was the opportunity to play for one of the most respected quarterback developers in college football, Joe Sloan, LSU’s quarterbacks coach. Sloan has a proven track record of helping quarterbacks reach the next level, and Mills has expressed a strong desire to develop into a top NFL prospect. With his strong arm and high football IQ, LSU represents an environment that will challenge Mills and help him develop into an elite-level signal caller.
Additionally, LSU’s high-powered offense under offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock presents an ideal situation for Mills to showcase his talents. The Tigers have a reputation for developing dynamic quarterbacks, and the opportunity to play in one of the most electric offenses in college football undoubtedly played a role in Mills’ decision.
Penn State and Tennessee: Close, But No Cigar
While LSU ultimately emerged as the victor in the Mills sweepstakes, it wasn’t an easy battle. Penn State, led by head coach James Franklin, and Tennessee, under the direction of Josh Heupel, were both in the mix until the very end. Both schools are known for their strong quarterback play and consistently high recruiting rankings, and Mills had close relationships with the coaching staffs at both programs.
For Penn State, the allure of playing in the Big Ten and competing for conference championships was a significant factor in their pursuit of Mills. Penn State has a rich tradition of producing top-tier quarterbacks, and with the Nittany Lions expected to be a major contender in the upcoming seasons, Mills would have had an excellent opportunity to step into a high-profile role.
Similarly, Tennessee was a program that Mills strongly considered. The Volunteers have rapidly become a force in college football under Heupel’s high-tempo offense, and Tennessee’s ability to develop quarterbacks has been proven with recent stars such as Hendon Hooker. Mills would have had the chance to compete in the SEC East and potentially lead Tennessee to a national championship in the near future.
However, despite the appeal of both of these schools, Mills ultimately felt that LSU’s combination of recent success, championship pedigree, and development opportunities made it the best fit for him. His decision to flip to LSU sends a clear message about the program’s continued prominence on the national stage.
What This Means for LSU’s Future
This commitment is a huge win for LSU, and it solidifies the Tigers as a legitimate contender for the national championship in the coming years. With Mills now in the fold, LSU has one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, and it’s easy to see him as the future face of the program.
In addition to the on-field benefits, Mills’ commitment also helps LSU in the recruiting race. The Tigers have already been heavily involved in the 2025 class, and securing a player of Mills’ caliber is likely to attract more top talent to Baton Rouge. His commitment could act as a catalyst for LSU to land even more high-profile recruits, further strengthening their position as one of the premier programs in the country.
What’s Next for Wake Forest?
For Wake Forest, this loss is a significant blow. Losing a 5-star quarterback who was a cornerstone of their future plans is a tough pill to swallow. Wake Forest will now be tasked with regrouping and refocusing its efforts on landing a strong replacement. The Demon Deacons have had success in developing quarterbacks in the past, but losing a player of Mills’ talent leaves a hole that will be hard to fill.
Despite this setback, Wake Forest still has a solid recruiting pipeline and will undoubtedly work hard to bring in other quarterbacks who can contribute immediately. The program will also look to strengthen its recruiting efforts in order to continue building its roster and competing in the ACC.
The Recruiting Impact
Mills’ flip to LSU is just the latest in a series of shocking recruiting twists that have captured the attention of college football fans. It also serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of college football recruiting. Players’ decisions are often influenced by a number of factors, including coaching staffs, team success, and development opportunities.
The recruitment of Mills underscores the increasing importance of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, transfer portals, and the power of social media in today’s college football landscape. As more and more top recruits enter the fold, schools must adapt to these changing dynamics if they want to stay competitive.