College football is stunned when a five-star recruit declines $6.7 million, decommits from TCU, and choose the LSU Tigers over Notre Dame and Georgia.
College football was shaken to its core when a highly touted five-star recruit made a stunning decision that defied expectations and financial logic. Jeremiah “J.J.” Matthews, the nation’s top-ranked quarterback in the 2025 class, shocked fans, analysts, and coaches alike by declining a staggering $6.7 million NIL offer, decommitting from TCU, and ultimately choosing LSU over powerhouses Notre Dame and Georgia.
For months, the recruitment saga of Matthews had been a headline-grabbing affair. A once-in-a-generation talent out of Dallas, Texas, Matthews had initially committed to Texas Christian University, citing their “family atmosphere” and the opportunity to build something special. But as the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era reshaped college football, rumors swirled that the top programs were offering unprecedented deals to lure him away.
Reports surfaced that a collective associated with TCU had offered Matthews a jaw-dropping $6.7 million NIL package, one of the largest known deals for a high school recruit. Many believed this would solidify his commitment, but as National Signing Day approached, Matthews stunned the football world by reopening his recruitment.
A Recruitment War Unlike Any Other
As soon as Matthews decommitted from TCU, chaos erupted. Programs across the country scrambled to secure a visit from the generational talent. Notre Dame, known for its academic prestige and rich football history, made an aggressive push, selling Matthews on being the face of their national resurgence. Georgia, the reigning national champions, touted their track record of sending quarterbacks to the NFL and winning championships. And then there was LSU—an unexpected wildcard.
LSU had been in the mix early in Matthews’ recruitment but was not considered a frontrunner. Head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan, however, saw an opportunity. With a dynamic offensive system and a passionate fanbase, LSU pitched Matthews on a vision that resonated beyond just money.
The Decision
On a crisp January evening, Matthews held a nationally televised press conference at his high school gymnasium. With cameras rolling and fans waiting anxiously, he took a deep breath before announcing, “I will be spending the next chapter of my football career at Louisiana State University.” The crowd erupted, while the college football world stood in disbelief.
When asked why he turned down the massive NIL deal, Matthews delivered a response that only added to his legend. “For me, it was never about the money. Don’t get me wrong, NIL is a blessing, and I respect what it’s doing for players. But at the end of the day, I want to go somewhere that feels like home, where I can develop into the best quarterback and person I can be. LSU gave me that feeling.”
Impact on College Football
Matthews’ decision sent shockwaves throughout the sport. In an era where NIL deals often dictate commitments, his choice to prioritize fit over finances was seen as a statement move. It raised questions about the future of college football recruitment—was this a one-time anomaly, or could this signal a shift in how elite prospects make decisions?
For TCU, the loss was devastating. They had hoped Matthews would be the centerpiece of their program for years to come. Notre Dame and Georgia, though disappointed, quickly pivoted to other quarterback targets. But for LSU, this was a monumental win. The Tigers had secured their quarterback of the future, one who had already demonstrated maturity and leadership beyond his years.
The Road Ahead
With Matthews now set to take his talents to Baton Rouge, expectations are sky-high. Fans are already envisioning him as the next great LSU quarterback, following in the footsteps of Joe Burrow. While the road to success is never easy, one thing is certain—J.J. Matthews’ decision has already cemented him as one of the most intriguing figures in college football history.
As he prepares for his freshman season, all eyes will be on him to see if he can live up to the hype. One thing is for sure: his journey is just beginning, and the college football world will be watching every step of the way.