In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals increasingly dictate the direction of college football recruiting, one 5-star quarterback just turned the narrative on its head. In a move that has rocked the college football world, highly sought-after signal-caller Jaxon Carver has decommitted from Colorado, rejected a reported $7.3 million NIL package, and stunned top-tier programs like Notre Dame and Florida State by committing to the Miami Hurricanes.
The shockwaves from this decision are still reverberating, and for good reason. This wasn’t just a normal flip — this was a statement. A statement about values, legacy, and perhaps a glimpse into a shifting mindset among elite recruits.
The Recruitment of the Year
Jaxon Carver, the 6’4”, 215-pound quarterback out of Allen, Texas, was the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting cycle. Armed with a rocket arm, high-level football IQ, and dual-threat mobility, Carver quickly rose to the top of recruiting boards across the country. Rated the No. 1 QB in the nation and a consensus top-5 overall prospect, he was courted by nearly every blue-blood program.
Carver originally committed to Colorado in the spring of 2024, lured by the star power of head coach Deion Sanders and the promise of being the face of a resurgent Buffs offense. Reports suggested he had agreed to one of the largest NIL offers ever made to a high school player — a staggering $7.3 million in structured endorsements and business partnerships that would span his college career.
Recruiting analysts hailed the commitment as a turning point for Colorado. Carver would be the biggest quarterback signing since Kordell Stewart in the early ’90s. But a lot can change in a year.
Behind the Flip: Why Miami?
Sources close to Carver say that despite the allure of money and media attention, the quarterback began feeling disillusioned with the transactional nature of the recruiting process. According to his personal quarterback coach, “Jaxon started asking deeper questions — not about endorsements or commercials, but about culture, offensive identity, and the long-term plan.”
After visiting Miami in early May 2025, something clicked. Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson rolled out the red carpet, but not with glitz — with football. The vision, Carver said, was clear. Miami had a plan that prioritized development, trust, and legacy.
Carver told 247Sports in an exclusive statement:
“When I stepped onto campus at Miami, it felt like family. It wasn’t about being sold something. It was about building something. They didn’t throw a price tag at me — they talked about championships, about brotherhood, about real football.”
He added, “NIL is part of today’s game, no doubt. But I had to ask myself, do I want to chase a check, or chase greatness?”
Turning Down the Millions
Rejecting a $7.3 million NIL package is practically unheard of in today’s college landscape, where top players often maximize their market value before taking a collegiate snap. Carver’s decision challenges the growing perception that top recruits can be “bought” — and that loyalty to program vision is a dying art.
NIL experts estimate Carver could still earn substantial money through more organic, performance-based deals at Miami, but nowhere near the guaranteed sum Colorado reportedly offered.
“He’s probably leaving $5–6 million on the table,” one NIL consultant noted. “That speaks volumes about his priorities.”
How Colorado Reacted
The decommitment hit Colorado like a thunderclap. Coach Deion Sanders, who had championed Carver as the face of his 2025 class, offered a reserved but pointed response on social media:
“We want Dawgs who want to be here. Go be GREAT, young man. We’ll be just fine. #CoachPrime”
Behind closed doors, however, insiders report frustration within the Buffaloes’ recruiting circles. Losing Carver not only jeopardizes Colorado’s long-term quarterback depth, but it also opens the door to criticisms that Coach Prime’s flash-over-substance style might wear thin with more introspective prospects.
Why Not Notre Dame or Florida State?
Carver’s final three schools — Miami, Notre Dame, and Florida State — each pitched strong cases down the stretch. Notre Dame, fresh off another top-10 finish under Marcus Freeman, offered a combination of tradition and discipline. Florida State boasted a returning core and an innovative offense under Mike Norvell.
So why Miami?
According to a family member, Notre Dame’s academics were “very tempting,” but Carver worried the system wouldn’t fully showcase his dynamic style. Florida State, while exciting, was reportedly “too crowded” with multiple quarterbacks already jockeying for position.
Miami, however, offered both a clean slate and a system tailor-made for a pro-style, mobile quarterback with deep-ball accuracy — exactly what Carver brings to the table.
What This Means for Miami Football
This commitment marks a potential watershed moment for the Hurricanes. While Miami has landed 5-star talent before, securing the nation’s top quarterback over programs like Colorado, Notre Dame, and Florida State signals a legitimate culture shift.
Under Mario Cristobal, Miami has been building brick by brick. From infrastructure upgrades to staff overhauls, the Hurricanes have steadily been restoring their once-dominant identity. Carver’s decision validates that process.
One Miami assistant told reporters:
“We didn’t sell him the dream. We showed him the foundation. Jaxon is the kind of guy who builds dynasties. And now, he’s going to build one here.”
Changing the NIL Conversation
Jaxon Carver’s move may not just reshape Miami’s QB room — it could also start a conversation about the broader NIL landscape. With massive sums being offered to teenagers, critics have long questioned whether high school athletes have the infrastructure or maturity to make such life-altering decisions.
By rejecting the richest deal in the class and choosing culture over cash, Carver becomes a sort of outlier — or maybe a trailblazer.
Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky tweeted:
“Love this kid’s decision. NIL is great — but when a QB chooses development and vision over millions, that’s leadership. That’s a CEO move.”
What’s Next for Jaxon Carver
Carver will enroll early at Miami in January 2026, where he’ll immediately enter a competition for the starting job. With Jakari Brown likely heading to the NFL and the QB depth chart thin, Carver could see the field as a true freshman.
There’s also talk that Carver could be the centerpiece for Miami’s 2026 recruiting class, helping to draw in wide receivers, offensive linemen, and skill players eager to play alongside a true franchise quarterback.
His high school coach, Tyler Meadows, summed it up perfectly:
“Jaxon isn’t afraid to bet on himself. That’s rare these days. Everyone’s chasing the bag. He’s chasing the ‘U’.”
Reactions from Around the Country
The college football world has responded in kind, with reactions ranging from stunned disbelief to heartfelt admiration.
- Notre Dame’s fanbase voiced disappointment but acknowledged Carver’s integrity.
- FSU fans were more critical, with some questioning how the Seminoles let a talent like Carver slip away.
- Colorado supporters were split — some felt betrayed, others simply wished him well.
Across social media, fans and players alike weighed in:
“Miami just got a game-changer. This kid is different.” — @CFBRecruitGod
“This will go down as one of the most impactful flips in modern recruiting.” — @RivalsMike
“$7.3M turned down. Wow. That’s unheard of.” — @247AndrewIvins
In an era where cash is king, Jaxon Carver chose character. He didn’t follow the money. He followed the mission. His decision to decommit from Colorado, turn down millions, and choose the Miami Hurricanes over more “secure” and better-funded options is more than just a recruiting win — it’s a philosophical statement.
Time will tell if his bet pays off on the field. But one thing’s for sure — college football needed this moment. In a world increasingly driven by NIL headlines and commercial deals, a 17-year-old just reminded us all what the game is supposed to be about.
