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NO Breaking News: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Rejecting $7.5 Million, Decommits from East Carolina, and Flips Commitment to LSU Tigers Over Notre Dame and Georgia Bulldogs
In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Ricks has flipped his college commitment, stunning the college football community by decommitting from East Carolina and pledging his future to the LSU Tigers. What’s even more shocking? He reportedly turned down a staggering $7.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) package from another program to make this move, citing legacy, development, and championship aspirations as his driving motivations.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound signal caller from Buford, Georgia, is widely regarded as the top dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class. Ranked No. 3 overall in the nation by multiple recruiting services, Ricks had originally committed to East Carolina in what many believed to be a long-term family loyalty decision—his father, James Ricks, was a star safety for the Pirates in the 1990s. But with the recruitment wars in full swing and NIL deals soaring to historic levels, even the strongest ties were tested
“After careful consideration and conversations with my family and coaches, I’ve decided to decommit from East Carolina University. I have nothing but love for the Pirates, but it’s time for me to take a different path. Respect my decision. ”
The internet exploded almost instantly. Within minutes, LSU, Georgia, and Notre Dame fan bases swarmed to social media platforms speculating where the coveted quarterback would end up. And just hours later, the answer arrived—with a photo of Ricks donning the iconic purple and gold and the simple caption: “Geaux Tigers #Committed.”
According to sources close to the Ricks family, LSU’s compelling pitch went far beyond NIL figures. Head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan played a pivotal role in making Ricks feel like more than just a star recruit—they made him feel like a future legend.
“Coach Kelly showed me the blueprint—not just for winning a national championship, but for building something lasting,” Ricks told Sports Illustrated in an exclusive interview. “They didn’t try to outbid anyone. They sold me on football, family, and legacy.”
Ricks also cited LSU’s quarterback pedigree, including recent NFL standouts like Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels, as a key influence in his decision.
“Joe Burrow is a legend. Jayden Daniels just proved what LSU can do for a dual-threat quarterback like me. That offense is built for someone who can run and sling it,” Ricks said.
In an era where NIL deals have become central to recruiting battles, Ricks’ decision is especially notable. Multiple reports have confirmed that he rejected a record-setting $7.5 million NIL offer—allegedly from a prominent SEC contender—to join LSU, whose reported offer was significantly less lucrative.
“It was tempting,” Ricks admitted. “But at the end of the day, I want to be coached hard. I want to compete in the College Football Playoff. I want to be a first-round pick. LSU gives me the best shot at all three.”
His father, James, echoed the sentiment: “It’s not about the money—it’s about the mission. And LSU is on a mission.”
Ricks’ recruitment had been a rollercoaster from the start, but many analysts expected Notre Dame or Georgia to emerge as the final destination after his decommitment. Notre Dame had reportedly promised immediate playing time and significant branding opportunities, while Georgia—the home-state powerhouse—made a late push emphasizing in-state pride and NFL development.
Ultimately, LSU’s consistency throughout the process proved decisive.
“LSU recruited him the longest and the hardest,” one recruiting analyst said. “They built the relationship before the NIL money became the storyline. That made the difference.”
Ricks’ commitment is already causing shockwaves across the 2025 recruiting landscape. LSU’s class, already ranked No. 4 nationally, is expected to move into the No. 1 or No. 2 spot with the addition of Ricks. The Tigers are also heavily pursuing five-star wideouts Terrence Day and Malik Johnson—both of whom are reportedly “extremely interested” in joining forces with Ricks.
Meanwhile, East Carolina fans are reeling. Despite understanding the uphill battle a program like ECU faces in the NIL arms race, the departure of such a high-profile recruit is a gut punch.
“Of course we’re disappointed,” said ECU head coach Mike Houston. “But we wish Jalen nothing but the best. He’s a special talent, and he’ll do big things in Baton Rouge.”
Jalen Ricks will now turn his focus to his senior season at Buford High School, where expectations are sky-high. After throwing for over 3,400 yards and rushing for 800 more last season, he’s widely expected to be a finalist for the Gatorade National Player of the Year.
But even with individual accolades within reach, Ricks says he’s thinking bigger.
“I want to lead Buford to a state title. Then I want to help LSU win the SEC. Then the natty. That’s the dream. Everything else is just noise.”
Ricks is also expected to enroll early at LSU, joining the team in January to begin learning the playbook and getting acclimated to the program. Given the Tigers’ depth chart, many insiders believe Ricks could compete for the starting job as early as his freshman season.
In a college football landscape increasingly driven by money and marketing, Jalen Ricks’ decision to choose legacy and fit over finances stands out like a purple and gold beacon. His choice to bet on LSU—and himself—could pay off in ways that extend far beyond a dollar amount.
It’s not every day a top-three player in the country shocks the world by flipping from a mid-major to a national powerhouse and turning down $7.5 million to do it. But Ricks isn’t every-day talent.
With a cannon arm, elusive mobility, and now, a Tiger’s mentality, LSU may have just secured the face of their program for the next four years—and possibly, a future Heisman Trophy winner.