**Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down \$6.7 Million, Decommits from Colorado, and Flips Commitment to LSU Over Notre Dame and Florida State**
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Richards has turned down a staggering \$6.7 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer to decommit from the University of Colorado and commit to LSU, bypassing top-tier programs Notre Dame and Florida State in the process.
Richards, widely regarded as the top dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 class, had previously made headlines by committing to Colorado, lured in part by the program’s growing prominence under head coach Deion Sanders. However, despite a lucrative NIL offer reportedly in the range of \$6.7 million attached to his commitment, Richards has made it clear that his priorities lie elsewhere.
“This decision wasn’t about the money,” Richards said in a statement released on social media.
“It was about development, legacy, and where I feel I can win championships and become the best version of myself — as a player and as a man. LSU felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus.”
The announcement marks a massive win for LSU head coach Brian Kelly, who has been aggressively recruiting elite offensive talent to return the Tigers to national title contention.
Sources close to the program say Richards was drawn to LSU’s offensive system, recent success in developing NFL-ready quarterbacks, and the passionate fan base in Baton Rouge.
“This is the kind of player who can transform a program,” said one SEC analyst.
“Turning down that kind of NIL money says a lot about his confidence and his long-term goals. LSU just landed a franchise-level quarterback.”
The decommitment is a major blow for Colorado, which has seen a recent influx of top talent under Sanders but now faces renewed scrutiny about its ability to retain elite recruits amid stiff national competition.
While Sanders has been praised for his charisma and player-first approach, critics argue that Colorado’s football infrastructure and conference instability could make it difficult to keep pace with SEC powerhouses like LSU.
Notre Dame and Florida State were also heavily in contention for Richards, with both programs offering compelling packages, strong academic reputations, and winning traditions.
Ultimately, though, insiders believe LSU’s SEC pedigree and offensive vision gave it the edge.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Richards added. “I have a ton of respect for Coach Prime, Coach Norvell, and Coach Freeman. But in my heart, I knew LSU was where I belong.”
With this commitment, LSU’s 2025 recruiting class now vaults into the top five nationally, and the program is expected to continue pursuing top-tier weapons to surround Richards.
The ripple effects of his decision are already being felt across the country as other high-profile recruits reassess their options.
As the NIL era continues to reshape college football, Jalen Richards’ decision is a stark reminder that, for some elite prospects, development and fit still outweigh dollar signs. LSU fans, meanwhile, are already dreaming of future championships with their new quarterback at the helm.
