5-Star QB Stuns College Football World by Rejecting $8.7 Million, Decommits from Texas Longhorns, and Flips to Indiana Hoosiers Over Alabama and Georgia…
5-Star QB Stuns College Football World by Rejecting $8.7 Million, Decommits from Texas Longhorns, and Flips to Indiana Hoosiers…
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, 5-star quarterback phenom Jalen Thompson has decommitted from the Texas Longhorns, rejecting a reported $8.7 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, and instead committed to the Indiana Hoosiers — a decision that has stunned fans, analysts, and recruiters nationwide.
Thompson, widely regarded as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, had been a verbal commit to Texas for nearly a year. With his electric arm, elite athleticism, and proven leadership at the high school level, many had penciled him in as the future face of the Longhorns’ offense. NIL offers reportedly poured in from Texas-based collectives and national brands, some valuing as high as $8.7 million. Yet, in an unexpected twist, Thompson turned all of it down.
In a statement released via social media, Thompson explained his decision: “I’m grateful for everything Texas has done for me, but my heart led me somewhere else. Indiana offered more than just football — it offered family, opportunity, and a vision that aligns with who I am on and off the field.”
Indiana, a program not typically in the hunt for 5-star talent, now boasts one of its most significant commitments in program history. Head coach Curt Cignetti, known for turning around programs and developing talent, played a crucial role in the flip. Sources say Thompson was drawn to Cignetti’s authentic approach and his emphasis on personal development over flash.
Recruiting analysts are calling this one of the boldest moves in recent memory. “This isn’t just a flip — it’s a statement,” said ESPN’s Tom Luginbill. “Thompson is choosing fit, culture, and personal growth over money and prestige. That’s rare in this NIL-driven era.”
The decision immediately reshapes the Big Ten landscape. With Thompson at the helm, Indiana could become a serious contender in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, Texas now finds itself scrambling to fill a sudden and massive void in its 2025 recruiting class.
Whether Thompson’s gamble pays off on the field remains to be seen, but his choice is already redefining what success means in the modern era of college football.
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