In a shocking twist that has sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, five-star wide receiver Jayden Riddick, widely considered one of the top pass-catchers in the 2025 recruiting class, has flipped his commitment from a perennial powerhouse to Arizona State University. The announcement, made via a surprise Instagram Live on Tuesday morning, stunned fans, coaches, and analysts alike — a major coup for first-year Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham, who now owns arguably the biggest recruiting win in the program’s modern era.
The Flip Heard ‘Round the Nation
Riddick, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound playmaker out of Long Beach Poly High School in California, had been verbally committed to Ohio State since last summer. The Buckeyes have long held a reputation for producing elite wide receivers under position coach Brian Hartline, including first-round NFL talents like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr.
Riddick’s decision to decommit from the Buckeyes and choose Arizona State — a program with a limited national recruiting footprint and just a 3–9 record in 2023 — is, by every measure, seismic.
“I want to start a movement,” Riddick said during his livestream. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I love what Coach Dillingham is building. I want to help put Arizona State back on the map. This is about more than just me — it’s about changing the game.”
Who Is Jayden Riddick?
Riddick ranks as the No. 7 overall player and No. 1 wide receiver in the 2025 class according to the 247Sports Composite. His blend of elite speed, route-running, and hands have drawn comparisons to NFL stars like CeeDee Lamb and Stefon Diggs.
During his junior year at Long Beach Poly, Riddick recorded 78 receptions for 1,432 yards and 17 touchdowns, consistently torching opposing secondaries with his quickness and body control. He shined at camps and showcases, including The Opening and the Elite 11 Finals, where he often dominated defensive backs in one-on-one matchups.
“He’s unguardable,” said his high school coach, Antonio Pierce, a former ASU defensive coordinator. “I’ve coached guys who made it to the NFL, and Jayden is the real deal. He’s got the total package — physical tools, IQ, work ethic, and the charisma to lead.”
A Bombshell for Kenny Dillingham
Kenny Dillingham, now in his second season at Arizona State, promised to “activate the Valley” when he took over in 2022. But few expected this kind of activation. Landing a prospect of Riddick’s caliber — especially against heavyweights like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia — represents a validation of Dillingham’s vision and energy.
Dillingham has leaned into his youth, energy, and Arizona roots to connect with high school athletes across the West. His staff has put an emphasis on relationship-building, personal branding, and NIL opportunities. While Riddick didn’t cite NIL as a main factor, it’s clear that Arizona State has stepped up its game.
“I believe in Coach Dillingham 100%,” Riddick said. “He’s not just talking about change — he’s showing it. I felt wanted at ASU from day one. They treated me like family, and they weren’t afraid to challenge me to be better.”
Sources close to the program say Dillingham personally recruited Riddick, visiting Long Beach on multiple occasions and building a direct bond with the receiver and his family. That personal investment may have made the difference.
Why Riddick’s Flip Matters
This isn’t just a recruiting win — it’s a statement. Arizona State has never landed a top-10 national recruit in the modern rankings era. In fact, before Riddick, their highest-ranked signee was Vontaze Burfict, the fiery linebacker who was a top-20 national recruit back in 2009.
Riddick’s commitment signals that Arizona State, despite its recent struggles and ongoing NCAA investigations stemming from the Herm Edwards era, is not only alive but thriving under new leadership. It also serves as a potential turning point in how top talent views non-traditional programs in the NIL and transfer portal era.
“This is proof that the college football world is changing,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Kids are more open-minded. It’s no longer just about blue bloods. Arizona State has a shot to reshape its identity, and this is the first domino.”
Fallout in Columbus
Ohio State fans were blindsided by the news, especially since Riddick had remained solid on his commitment — at least publicly — for months. Just last week, he was featured in a Buckeyes recruiting video on social media, further solidifying his status as the crown jewel of their 2025 class.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed,” said Buckeyes coach Ryan Day. “Jayden is a phenomenal young man and a great player. We wish him the best. That’s recruiting — things change. We’re going to keep working and look for the next great one.”
Ohio State still boasts a top-10 class but losing the No. 1 receiver in the country is a gut punch. The Buckeyes will now shift their focus to other elite targets, including in-state product Tyree Whitaker and Florida standout Malik Thompson.
The Bigger Picture: Why Arizona State?
So what drew Riddick to a program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2021?
It’s a combination of timing, opportunity, and vision. Under Dillingham, ASU has begun laying the foundation for a high-tempo, pro-style offense designed to showcase dynamic weapons — particularly wideouts. Riddick will walk into a depth chart that gives him a strong chance to start as a true freshman, something that may not have been guaranteed at Ohio State.
The Sun Devils are also investing heavily in facilities, NIL infrastructure, and community partnerships. According to sources, ASU’s NIL collective, Sun Angel NIL, recently underwent an overhaul aimed at providing competitive packages to elite recruits — while still staying compliant with NCAA regulations.
“He wanted to build something,” Riddick’s father, Darrell, said. “We sat down and talked about legacy. Jayden didn’t want to just be another name in a long line — he wanted to be the first. Arizona State offered him that chance.”
What’s Next for Arizona State?
With Riddick in the fold, Arizona State’s 2025 recruiting class vaults into the national top 15 — a meteoric rise from where it stood just weeks ago. Riddick joins four-star quarterback Kamal James from Texas and four-star safety DeMarcus Lang from Nevada as key pillars in a class that is gaining momentum fast.
Dillingham and his staff are now focused on capitalizing on the buzz. Other top prospects, including Riddick’s close friend and five-star offensive tackle Marquell Stokes, have already posted cryptic social media messages suggesting interest in joining the Sun Devils’ growing movement.
“There’s going to be more surprises,” one source close to the program said. “This isn’t a one-off. ASU is serious about making moves.”
Final Thoughts: A New Day in Tempe
In an era where college football parity is increasingly possible, thanks to the transfer portal, NIL, and changing attitudes among recruits, Jayden Riddick’s decision may go down as a watershed moment.
Arizona State has always had potential — location, sunshine, academics, and a passionate fanbase — but struggled to break through on a national scale. With this commitment, and with Dillingham’s culture beginning to take hold, the Sun Devils might just be ready to rise.