Breaking News: Five-Star Recruit Stuns College Football by Turning Down $6.7 Million, Decommits from TCU, and Chooses Miami Hurricanes Over Notre Dame and Georgia
In a stunning twist that has rocked the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Richardson has officially decommitted from TCU, rejecting a reported $6.7 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) package, and announced his commitment to the University of Miami. The move sends shockwaves through top programs, including Notre Dame and Georgia, both of which had been in hot pursuit of the elite talent.
Richardson, ranked as the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class by multiple outlets, had been verbally committed to TCU since late 2024. The Fort Worth-based program, bolstered by deep-pocketed donors, reportedly put together one of the most lucrative NIL deals ever offered to a high school player. Yet, in a decision he says was driven by “culture, development, and legacy,” the 18-year-old signal-caller from Houston chose the Hurricanes instead.
“I’ve got nothing but love for TCU, but at the end of the day, it’s about more than money,” Richardson said in a livestreamed announcement on Friday morning. “I want to be at a place that feels like home, where I can grow as a player and as a person. Coach Cristobal and Miami made me feel that from day one.”
Richardson’s decision to snub Georgia and Notre Dame is equally surprising. Both programs had been viewed as potential frontrunners following whispers of his wavering commitment. Georgia, a perennial title contender, had reportedly made a late push with promises of early playing time and a national spotlight. Notre Dame, meanwhile, emphasized its academic prestige and historic quarterback lineage.
Still, it was Miami that sealed the deal with what insiders are calling an “old-school recruitment” — centered on relationships, a clear development plan, and the opportunity to be the face of a rebuilding powerhouse. Coach Mario Cristobal’s aggressive recruiting efforts seem to be paying off, as Richardson becomes the highest-ranked quarterback to commit to Miami in over a decade.
The move also reignites the national conversation about NIL in college sports, as Richardson’s decision is seen by some as a rejection of the sport’s growing financial arms race. “He’s setting a new standard,” said a national recruiting analyst. “It’s not just about the bag — it’s about fit.”
With Richardson now headed to South Beach, Miami’s 2025 recruiting class jumps into the national top five and sends a clear message: The U is officially back in business.
