BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star QB Stuns College Football World by Turning Down $7.5 Million, Decommitting from Colorado, and Choosing Michigan Wolverines Over Notre Dame and Florida State.
BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star QB Shocks College Football World – Turns Down $7.5 Million, Decommits from Colorado, Chooses Michigan
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, 5-star quarterback phenom Jaxon Rutherford has officially decommitted from Colorado and announced his commitment to the Michigan Wolverines—turning down a reported $7.5 million NIL offer in the process. The announcement comes as a massive victory for Michigan and a seismic blow to programs like Notre Dame and Florida State, who were heavily in the running.
Rutherford, widely regarded as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, made his announcement via a live-streamed press conference that quickly trended across social media. “This decision isn’t about money—it’s about legacy, development, and winning championships,” Rutherford said. “Michigan felt like home, and I believe in what Coach Sherrone Moore is building there.”
His decommitment from Colorado is especially significant given the high-profile nature of his initial commitment. The Buffaloes, led by head coach Deion Sanders, had built their recruiting momentum around Rutherford, seeing him as a future face of the program. The $7.5 million NIL deal on the table—reportedly tied to endorsements, brand partnerships, and performance incentives—was believed to be one of the largest ever offered to a high school athlete.
Despite the financial temptation, Rutherford chose a more traditional path, emphasizing player development and team culture over instant riches. Sources close to the quarterback say the decision came down to a “gut feeling” after a recent unofficial visit to Ann Arbor. The Wolverines’ rich quarterback tradition, revamped offensive philosophy under Moore, and focus on academics played a crucial role in securing his commitment.
Michigan fans and staff alike are elated, especially in the wake of a new coaching era following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL. Rutherford’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new powerhouse era for the Wolverines, who have consistently competed at the highest levels of college football in recent years, including multiple College Football Playoff appearances.
Notre Dame and Florida State were considered top contenders throughout Rutherford’s recruitment. Both programs had rolled out red carpets in their respective pitches, and insiders believed Notre Dame was a favorite as recently as last week. However, Michigan’s combination of stability, development pipeline to the NFL, and recent success in the Big Ten ultimately won out.
Rutherford’s decision is already being hailed as a culture-shifting moment in the NIL era—a young athlete choosing legacy over lucrative short-term deals. Analysts say his move could inspire a wave of recruits to refocus on football fit and long-term goals rather than just financial offers.
For Michigan, this commitment is not just about landing a generational talent—it’s a statement to the rest of college football: the Wolverines are here to dominate, both on the recruiting trail and on the field.
Stay tuned as more details emerge from what is already being called one of the most impactful recruiting decisions of the decade.
