In a shocking and seismic turn of events that has left the college football world reeling, five-star quarterback recruit Jaxon Moden, widely regarded as the top quarterback in the 2025 class, has officially flipped his commitment from the University of Colorado to the University of Oklahoma. The decision comes on the heels of Moden turning down a reported $7.3 million in NIL deals associated with staying at Colorado under Deion Sanders. Instead, the elite signal-caller chose to join Brent Venables’ Sooners, picking Oklahoma over strong final pushes from Notre Dame and Florida State.
This blockbuster commitment flip represents more than just a recruiting win for Oklahoma — it’s a statement about culture, fit, and long-term vision in an increasingly NIL-driven landscape.
The Build-Up: A Boulder Love Story Gone Wrong
When Moden initially committed to Colorado in late 2024, the college football world took notice. His pledge gave the Buffaloes their first legitimate five-star quarterback in the modern recruiting era. Coach Deion Sanders was heralded for his charisma and growing recruiting prowess, and Moden’s commitment was perceived as proof that “Coach Prime” had staying power in Boulder.
Moden, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback from Allen, Texas, cited Sanders’ leadership, the offensive system, and the chance to be the face of a national resurgence as key reasons for committing to Colorado. NIL money was never openly discussed, but industry insiders confirmed Moden had over $7 million in NIL endorsement opportunities aligned with his Colorado commitment, including national brand deals tied to Sanders’ celebrity reach.
Yet behind the scenes, cracks were forming.
Why the Decommitment Happened
Sources close to the Moden family point to a “shifting culture” within the Colorado program that raised red flags for the five-star prospect. After a disappointing 2024 season in which the Buffaloes finished 4–8 and questions swirled around locker room chemistry, Moden and his camp reportedly grew concerned about development, structure, and long-term success under Sanders.
“Jaxon is a winner. He wants to be in a program that prepares him for the next level — both in scheme and in stability,” said one source familiar with the decision-making process. “The NIL money was significant. But at the end of the day, this wasn’t about being a celebrity. It was about being an NFL quarterback.”
Deion Sanders, though beloved by his players and media outlets alike, has drawn criticism for high roster turnover and inconsistent on-field results. Some within Moden’s camp viewed the Colorado environment as “chaotic,” especially compared to more traditional football powerhouses.
Oklahoma’s Pitch: Culture, Coaching, and a Clear Path
While Notre Dame and Florida State made strong pushes — each offering elite facilities, strong academics, and recent program success — Oklahoma quietly emerged as the perfect storm.
Under Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, the Sooners presented a blueprint tailor-made for Moden’s development. Oklahoma has a long tradition of quarterback excellence, producing NFL-ready QBs like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts. In recent years, the program has continued to churn out high-powered offenses, and Moden saw an opportunity to write his name in Norman’s storied quarterback lineage.
Venables, known primarily for his defensive acumen, made Moden’s recruitment a personal priority. “Jaxon brings more than just arm talent,” Venables said after the flip was confirmed. “He brings leadership, work ethic, and a team-first mentality. That’s who we are at Oklahoma.”
The Sooners’ NIL collective reportedly offered far less than what Moden was slated to earn at Colorado — likely in the range of $1.5 to $2 million — but Moden’s team made it clear that fit mattered more than funds.
“Oklahoma gave Jaxon the best combination of NFL preparation, culture, and trust,” said Moden’s high school coach, Tony West. “The money will come later. This was about setting the right foundation.”
Notre Dame and Florida State Left at the Altar
Moden’s final three — Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Florida State — each had reasons to believe they were in the driver’s seat. For Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman’s disciplined, defense-first program appealed to Moden’s family values and academic interests. The Irish made a final pitch that emphasized character, development, and the opportunity to make history in South Bend.
Florida State, meanwhile, carried the allure of legacy and resurgence. With Mike Norvell’s team on the rise and star-studded rosters returning for 2025, the Seminoles made Moden feel like a Day 1 contributor. He even visited Tallahassee privately earlier this spring, and FSU insiders were “confident” as recently as last week.
But ultimately, both programs fell short to the Sooners’ holistic vision.
What This Means for Oklahoma
Landing Moden is a game-changing moment for Oklahoma. While the Sooners have recruited well under Venables, the addition of a five-star quarterback — especially one of Moden’s stature — sends a clear message: Oklahoma is not just rebuilding. It’s reloading for national contention.
With Oklahoma set to begin its SEC era in 2025, Moden’s commitment couldn’t come at a better time. The Sooners will need top-tier quarterback play to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and Texas — and now, they may have the most pro-ready prospect in the class.
Moden is expected to challenge for the starting job as early as his freshman year, with current starter Jackson Arnold likely entering his final season in 2025. Moden’s blend of poise, arm strength, mobility, and elite football IQ make him a natural fit in Oklahoma’s offense.
“The SEC is no joke,” said ESPN analyst Greg McElroy. “But if you’re going to win there, you need a difference-maker at quarterback. Oklahoma just landed one.”
Colorado Left Searching for Answers
For Colorado and Deion Sanders, Moden’s decommitment represents the biggest blow yet in a turbulent offseason. After multiple high-profile departures and a lukewarm recruiting cycle, the Buffaloes now face questions about their long-term viability as a consistent Pac-12 contender.
NIL alone wasn’t enough to keep Moden in the fold — and that may serve as a wake-up call for programs relying heavily on flash over function.
“Deion will continue to get media attention,” said one anonymous Pac-12 assistant. “But if he can’t win consistently or develop guys like Moden, the shine will wear off fast.”
There’s also concern about the precedent this sets. If a recruit can walk away from $7.3 million for a better football fit, will others follow? Will culture trump cash in the NIL era? The Moden flip could mark a turning point.
National Impact: A Cultural Reset?
Moden’s decision to turn down millions and choose a football-first program is already sending ripple effects across the college football world.
Social media lit up with reactions from current and former players, many applauding the quarterback for choosing development over dollar signs. “That’s a QB I want on my team,” tweeted former Heisman winner Bryce Young. “Chose ball over the bag.”
Some insiders believe Moden’s flip may inspire other top recruits to prioritize fit and development over NIL promises. While money remains a powerful force in recruiting, Moden’s move proves it’s not the only factor.
“We’re seeing a shift,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. “Recruits and families are starting to understand that the wrong program can cost you more in the long run — even if the short-term money looks good.”
Looking Ahead
Jaxon Moden’s flip to Oklahoma isn’t just about one player choosing a new school. It’s about a signal-caller staking his claim as the next great Sooner, about a program doubling down on development and culture, and about a possible cultural shift in college football’s NIL landscape.
For Oklahoma fans, the message is clear: the future is now. For Moden, the mission begins — not with celebrity hype, but with a ball, a playbook, and a dream.
