Breaking News: Five-Star Recruit Shocks College Football by Rejecting $6.7 Million, Flips to Florida Gators
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, five-star recruit Jalen McKnight, one of the nation’s top high school prospects, has decommitted from TCU and announced his commitment to the Florida Gators—despite reportedly turning down a $6.7 million NIL deal from another program.
McKnight, a dynamic 6-foot-3, 215-pound wide receiver, was originally committed to TCU, but speculation had grown in recent weeks about his final decision. With powerhouse programs like Notre Dame and Georgia in the mix, many expected him to land in South Bend or Athens. Instead, the Florida Gators secured his pledge in what is being described as a game-changing victory for head coach Billy Napier.
“I followed my heart,” McKnight said in a statement. “Money is great, but I wanted to be somewhere that felt like home, where I could develop as a player and a person. Florida checked every box for me.”
The $6.7 million NIL offer he reportedly declined was one of the largest publicly known deals for a high school recruit. While the exact source remains unclear, speculation points to programs with aggressive NIL collectives, such as Miami, Texas A&M, or USC. However, McKnight emphasized that his decision was based on football and personal fit rather than financial incentives.
His commitment is a major win for Florida, which has struggled in recruiting battles against SEC powerhouses. McKnight’s decision not only boosts the Gators’ 2025 class ranking but also sends a message that Napier’s program can still land elite talent in the NIL era.
McKnight, who posted 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns in his senior season, is expected to make an immediate impact in Gainesville. With Florida beating out Notre Dame and Georgia for his signature, this decision could be one of the defining moments of the 2025 recruiting cycle.
