In one of the most stunning twists of the 2025 college football recruiting cycle, five-star quarterback phenom Treyden James has flipped his commitment from Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes to the upstart Arizona State Sun Devils, spurning massive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offers reportedly totaling $6.7 million from powerhouse programs such as Notre Dame and Florida State. The move not only sends shockwaves through the recruiting landscape but signals a possible changing of the guard in the Pac-12 — with Arizona State suddenly becoming a serious contender under second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham.
A Star is Born: The Rise of Treyden James
Treyden James, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback from Frisco, Texas, emerged as the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 class and the top-rated quarterback, according to 247Sports and Rivals. With a rocket arm, elite football IQ, and blazing 4.5 speed, James has drawn comparisons to a young Cam Newton — not just for his physical tools, but also for his leadership qualities and charisma.
He first committed to Colorado in January 2024 during the peak of Coach Prime’s media blitz and roster overhaul, becoming the centerpiece of what was expected to be one of the most high-profile recruiting classes in school history. His decision was seen as a significant validation of Sanders’ ability to lure top-tier talent to Boulder.
But behind the scenes, sources close to the James family say that Treyden grew increasingly wary of the media circus surrounding Colorado football. Though he respected Coach Sanders’ vision, James reportedly began having second thoughts after a lackluster 2024 season in which the Buffaloes finished 5–7 and struggled to protect their quarterbacks behind a leaky offensive line.
The NIL Temptation: $6.7 Million on the Table
Treyden James’ recruitment turned into a bidding war by spring 2025. While the NCAA has yet to implement significant guardrails around NIL, some schools were not shy about presenting massive financial opportunities.
Florida State reportedly offered a package worth over $3 million across three years, including endorsements from Florida-based sportswear companies and car dealerships. Notre Dame, traditionally conservative in NIL matters, shocked many by putting forward a rare multi-million dollar deal facilitated through a group of Irish collectives and alumni with major media clout. Colorado, eager to retain James, was willing to renegotiate his NIL valuation, but it was too late.
James, however, declined all offers.
“Yes, it’s life-changing money,” he told The Athletic. “But I’m not chasing a bag — I’m chasing a legacy.”
This quote quickly went viral, turning James into an overnight social media icon, praised by fans and former players for choosing team fit and development over immediate cash.
The Sun Devil Surprise
What made the story even more compelling was James’ unexpected commitment to Arizona State — a program that, while rich in potential, has not landed a five-star quarterback in over two decades.
“I picked Arizona State because of the culture Coach Dillingham is building,” James said during his commitment ceremony at Desert Ridge High School, where he transferred for his senior year. “He’s young, hungry, and he’s not about the drama. I believe I can win championships here.”
Kenny Dillingham, 34, has made a name for himself as one of college football’s brightest offensive minds, having previously served as Oregon’s offensive coordinator before returning to his alma mater to resurrect the Sun Devils. After a 4–8 inaugural campaign, Dillingham revamped his staff and recruiting operations, emphasizing quarterback development, speed, and player empowerment.
Insiders say that Dillingham personally spent over 20 hours on Zoom and in-home visits with the James family, pitching not just a football vision but a life plan focused on personal growth, mentorship, and academic success.
“I didn’t just feel wanted,” said Treyden’s father, Marcus James, a former college QB himself. “I felt like they had a blueprint for who Treyden could become — not just as a quarterback, but as a man.”
Implications for Arizona State
James’ commitment is a seismic moment for Arizona State football. The Sun Devils are not just landing a game-changing quarterback; they’re also securing national credibility.
For years, ASU has struggled with inconsistency and NCAA investigations. But with this single decision, the perception around the program is beginning to change. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum called it “the biggest recruiting coup of the 2025 cycle.” Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated described the flip as “a shot across the bow to every elite program west of the Mississippi.”
James immediately becomes the face of a 2025 recruiting class that also includes four-star WR Reggie McKnight from Long Beach Poly and blue-chip offensive lineman DeAndre Holloway from Houston.
The Sun Devils are now being considered a dark horse to compete for a Pac-12 title by 2026. With USC and UCLA off to the Big Ten, and Oregon and Washington following suit, the path is suddenly wide open. Arizona State’s combination of youth, recruiting, and now elite quarterback play puts them at the forefront of the conference realignment chaos.
Reactions from Spurned Programs
The fallout from James’ decision has been intense.
Colorado: Coach Deion Sanders, never one to shy from the spotlight, kept things positive publicly.
“Treyden is a great young man,” Sanders said via social media. “We wish him all the best, and we’re gonna keep working to build something special in Boulder. #WeComing.”
Behind closed doors, however, the Buffaloes staff is scrambling to re-engage with several other QB targets, including four-star passer Maddox Kelley from California and junior college standout Vince Torres.
Florida State: The Seminoles had hoped James would be the heir to Jordan Travis and help bring them back into College Football Playoff contention. Their NIL-backed pitch included partnerships with Tallahassee media outlets and regional sports chains. While disappointed, FSU is pivoting quickly to other options, including in-state prospect DJ Ricks.
Notre Dame: Perhaps the most stunned by the decision, Notre Dame had gone all-in on James. Insiders say Marcus Freeman and OC Mike Denbrock saw him as their Joe Burrow. The Irish may now pursue a late flip of Kentucky commit Chandler Woods.
The Bigger Picture: NIL and the Future of College Football
Treyden James’ decision to turn down $6.7 million has already triggered larger discussions about the role of NIL in recruiting. While many athletes have understandably embraced the financial opportunity, James is being celebrated for prioritizing fit and values.
That said, not everyone agrees with his approach.
“This isn’t the 1990s,” said a Power Five assistant anonymously. “You’ve got to take care of your family when the opportunity is there. Who knows what happens in three years?”
But James isn’t naïve. He’s made it clear he’s not against NIL — he just didn’t want it to be the primary driver.
“I’ll earn my worth,” he said. “If I ball out, the money will come. But first, I’ve got to win games.”
What’s Next for Treyden James
James will enroll early at Arizona State in January 2026 and is expected to compete for the starting job immediately, given the uncertainty surrounding ASU’s current QB room. With a strong supporting cast and the promise of an offensive system tailored to his strengths, he could make an immediate impact in Tempe.
If he lives up to the hype, Treyden James won’t just change the future of Arizona State — he could become a national phenomenon, the poster child for a new generation of athletes prioritizing purpose over profit.
Final Thoughts
In a college football landscape dominated by transfer portal chaos, million-dollar NIL deals, and nonstop coaching carousel rumors, Treyden James just reminded everyone that there’s still room for integrity, vision, and long-term thinking. His decision to choose Arizona State — a program not known for dominating headlines — over financial juggernauts Notre Dame and Florida State is both unprecedented and refreshing.
