New: Five-Star Quarterback Stuns College Football Fans With a Shocking Decommitment From Michigan, Flipping His Commitment to the LSU Tigers Over Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia
In a shocking twist that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football world, five-star quarterback Julian “J.J.” Ricks has officially decommitted from the University of Michigan and announced his commitment to the LSU Tigers. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound signal-caller out of Buford, Georgia, had been verbally committed to the Wolverines since last September, but after months of speculation and behind-the-scenes recruiting battles, Ricks made the bombshell announcement on Thursday afternoon via a dramatic social media video.
The decision marks a massive recruiting win for LSU head coach Brian Kelly, who has now secured one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 class. Ricks, known for his elite arm talent, poise in the pocket, and deceptive athleticism, is widely regarded as a program-changing quarterback. He had recently visited Baton Rouge, and while most believed Michigan still held a solid lead, insiders close to the situation suggest LSU’s persistence and a late recruiting push by offensive coordinator Joe Sloan played a decisive role in flipping the prized recruit.
For Michigan, this is a devastating blow. The Wolverines, fresh off a College Football Playoff run and poised to maintain momentum under new leadership following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL, had banked heavily on Ricks as their quarterback of the future. With J.J. McCarthy now in the NFL and questions swirling about who will take the reins long-term, losing a blue-chip quarterback of Ricks’ caliber is more than a personnel loss—it’s a blow to the program’s narrative of being a consistent destination for elite quarterbacks.
Recruiting insiders report that Ricks’ decommitment had been in the works for at least a few weeks, despite the Michigan staff remaining publicly confident. LSU’s coaching staff, including Sloan and Kelly, stayed in close contact with Ricks throughout the winter and spring. According to sources, it was a combination of LSU’s offensive system, a clearer path to early playing time, and a personal connection with several Tiger recruits that tipped the scales. The Tigers now find themselves with one of the top quarterback hauls in the country and a signal-caller who could become the face of the program for years to come.
Ricks’ flip doesn’t just impact Michigan. The news has significant implications for other powerhouse programs that were in the mix until the final hours, most notably Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Alabama had recently increased its pursuit of Ricks after missing out on its top quarterback target earlier in the cycle. Georgia, the in-state program and two-time national champion, was considered a strong dark horse, particularly with their success developing quarterbacks under Kirby Smart. Tennessee, too, had ramped up their efforts, with head coach Josh Heupel offering a compelling vision centered around their high-octane offense and quarterback-friendly scheme.
Yet in the end, it was LSU that emerged victorious. For Ricks, the decision was rooted in “fit and family.” In his commitment video, he highlighted the program’s culture, fan base, and a strong belief in what Coach Kelly is building. “I prayed about this. I talked to my family, my coaches, and my mentors,” Ricks said. “At the end of the day, LSU just felt like home. I believe in Coach Kelly. I believe in the guys we’re bringing in. I want to be a part of something special.”
This commitment puts LSU in an enviable position heading into the 2025 season. Ricks is expected to compete early and possibly take over as the face of the program once current starter Garrett Nussmeier moves on. His elite traits—laser-accurate throws on the move, command of the offense, and high football IQ—make him a perfect fit for the Tigers’ pro-style system. LSU fans, already buzzing about a top-five recruiting class, now have even more reason to believe that a return to national championship contention is on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the fallout at Michigan will be intense. Quarterback recruiting has always been a pressure cooker in Ann Arbor, and this latest decommitment will only intensify the spotlight on the Wolverines’ staff. With many top 2025 quarterbacks already committed elsewhere, Michigan will likely need to either flip another high-profile name or dig deep into the national pool for a hidden gem. There’s also the question of whether this is an isolated miss or a sign of deeper instability within the program under the new regime.
What’s clear is that this decision will reshape the recruiting landscape. Quarterback dominos often trigger chain reactions, and Ricks’ flip could very well lead to renewed interest in other programs by signal-callers who were previously off the market. Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee now return to the drawing board, each with the resources and track records to recover—but also each facing increased pressure to land a star in this class.
For now, however, the moment belongs to LSU. In an offseason filled with twists, transfers, and high-stakes drama, the Tigers have made arguably the biggest recruiting splash yet. Flipping a five-star quarterback from a blue-blood Big Ten school like Michigan is no small feat. It’s a declaration that LSU is not only here to compete—but to win.
As Ricks closed his announcement, he left no room for doubt about where his heart lies. “I’m ready to write my story in Baton Rouge,” he said. “Let’s ride, Tiger Nation.”
