BREAKING NEWS: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $6.3 Million, Decommits from Colorado, and Flips Commitment to Florida Gators Over Notre Dame and Florida State Seminole…..
BREAKING NEWS: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $6.3 Million, Decommits from Colorado, and Flips Commitment to Florida Gators Over Notre Dame and Florida State
In a move that has stunned the college football world, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Richards has decommitted from Colorado, turning down a reported $6.3 million NIL offer, and announced his commitment to the University of Florida. The announcement, made via a live stream on Richards’ social media Monday evening, ends one of the most high-profile recruiting battles of the 2025 cycle.
Richards, a 6’3”, 210-pound dual-threat sensation out of Dallas, Texas, had been the centerpiece of Colorado’s class and a major recruiting win for Deion Sanders. His explosive arm talent, elite mobility, and football IQ had made him a top target for nearly every powerhouse in the country. But in a decision that few saw coming, Richards chose to head to Gainesville, selecting the Gators over other finalists Notre Dame and Florida State.
“This wasn’t about money—it was about where I felt I could grow the most as a player and as a man,” Richards said during his announcement. “Florida gave me that feeling. I trust Coach Napier, I believe in the staff, and I want to be part of building something special in The Swamp.”
The move is a massive win for head coach Billy Napier and the Gators, who have been aggressively working to return to national relevance. Landing a player of Richards’ caliber not only boosts Florida’s 2025 recruiting class into the top five nationally, but it also sends a clear message that the Gators are back in the fight for college football’s elite.
Sources close to Richards’ camp revealed that the decision came down to three key factors: development, competition, and comfort. Florida’s track record of putting quarterbacks in the NFL, combined with a clear path to early playing time and strong chemistry with the coaching staff, helped edge out Notre Dame’s tradition and Florida State’s momentum.
“This is a game-changing commitment,” said one SEC recruiting analyst. “He’s the kind of quarterback who can turn a program around. Florida just got their franchise guy.”
The flip leaves Colorado reeling, particularly after the reported $6.3 million NIL package they put on the table to keep Richards committed. Deion Sanders, who has built his recruiting pitch around opportunity, exposure, and NIL, now faces questions about whether flashy offers can compete with programs offering deeper development and SEC-level competition.
As for Florida, the buzz around the program has skyrocketed. Fans flooded social media with celebrations, and current Gators players publicly welcomed Richards, calling him “the missing piece.”
With this commitment, the balance of power in the 2025 recruiting class has shifted. Richards’ choice reflects a growing trend of elite athletes prioritizing culture, competition, and long-term vision over short-term financial gain. And for Florida, it may mark the beginning of a return to championship contention.
