Breaking News: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $7.6 Million, Decommits from USA, and Flips Commitment to Oklahoma sooner Over Notre Dame and Florida State Seminole…
Breaking News: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $7.6 Million, Decommits from USA, and Flips Commitment to Oklahoma Over Notre Dame and Florida State
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, five-star quarterback phenom Jaxon Mitchell has officially decommitted from the University of South Alabama and flipped his commitment to the University of Oklahoma. The decision comes amid reports that Mitchell turned down an unprecedented $7.6 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) package that would have made him one of the highest-paid college football recruits in history.
Mitchell, the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 class according to multiple recruiting services, had originally committed to South Alabama in what many saw as a bold move to elevate a mid-major program. That commitment stunned fans and analysts alike when it was first announced last year. The buzz only grew after reports surfaced that a collective associated with the Jaguars had put together a record-breaking NIL package to keep the five-star talent in Mobile.
But now, Mitchell has flipped the script again. In a statement released Tuesday morning, the Georgia native announced his intention to join the Oklahoma Sooners, citing the program’s history of developing quarterbacks and preparing them for the NFL.“This decision wasn’t about money,” Mitchell said. “It was about legacy, development, and trusting the system. Oklahoma felt like home, and Coach Lebby’s offense is exactly what I need to get to the next level.”
Mitchell’s flip is a massive win for Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, who battled blue bloods like Notre Dame and Florida State to land the elite recruit. Sources close to the situation say both the Fighting Irish and Seminoles were in heavy pursuit down the stretch, with Florida State reportedly offering a compelling NIL package of its own.
Despite the allure of massive NIL earnings, Mitchell chose Oklahoma, a move that reaffirms the Sooners’ status as a quarterback factory. With alumni like Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts all having found success in the NFL, the program’s reputation clearly carried weight in Mitchell’s decision-making process.
The move also sends a message across the recruiting landscape. In an era where NIL money is becoming a significant factor in recruiting battles, Mitchell’s decision to prioritize development and fit over finances is sure to spark conversation among coaches, players, and fans alike.
For South Alabama, it’s a crushing blow. Mitchell had the potential to transform the Sun Belt program into a national storyline. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void that will be difficult to fill.
As for Oklahoma, they not only gain a generational talent under center but also secure a major victory in the ongoing arms race of elite college football recruiting. With Mitchell at the helm of their future offense, the Sooners look poised to make a serious push back to national prominence.
This is a developing story, and more updates are expected as Mitchell begins the next chapter of his football journey in Norman.
