SHOCKER: Five-Star Recruit Stuns College Football by Turning Down $6.7 Million, Decommits from Kansas State, and Chooses Oklahoma Over Notre Dame and Georgia
In one of the most jaw-dropping developments of the 2025 college football recruiting cycle, a five-star recruit has completely turned the sport on its head by rejecting a staggering $6.7 million, decommitting from Kansas State, and flipping his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners. This shocking decision comes after months of speculation and intense recruitment from some of the most prestigious programs in college football, including Notre Dame and Georgia.
The recruit, a highly sought-after offensive lineman whose potential was projected to reshape whichever program he joined, had been committed to Kansas State for nearly a year. However, just days before National Signing Day, the high school senior announced his decision to decommit from the Wildcats, sending shockwaves through the college football landscape.
A Bold Decision in the Age of NIL
In an era where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals are becoming more influential in college football recruiting, the young athlete’s decision to turn down an offer worth $6.7 million is nothing short of unprecedented. The financial package was reportedly offered by a group of boosters tied to Kansas State, marking one of the largest NIL offers in recent memory. Despite the allure of immediate financial security, the recruit made the bold decision to pursue other opportunities, signaling that his commitment to a program transcended mere financial incentives.
“I felt like this decision was about more than just money. It’s about the future, the right fit for me, and where I can grow the most as a player and person,” the recruit explained in a statement released after his announcement. “I’m grateful for everything Kansas State has done for me, but after talking with my family, I realized I need to follow a different path.”
A Riveting Recruiting Battle
Oklahoma, led by head coach Brent Venables, had long been a contender for the recruit’s services, but they were far from the only school in pursuit. Both Notre Dame and Georgia were heavily involved in the recruitment, with their respective coaching staffs pulling out all the stops to sway the recruit toward their programs. However, it was the Sooners who ultimately secured the commitment, and they did so with a combination of factors that went beyond NIL.
The University of Oklahoma’s prestigious football program, renowned for its history of developing elite talent and competing for national championships, was the ideal environment for the recruit to make an immediate impact. Venables, who has built a reputation as one of the top defensive minds in college football, emphasized the opportunity to play on a team that was poised to make a championship run, while also helping the recruit grow into a potential first-round NFL draft pick.
“I want to be part of a winning culture, and I believe Oklahoma gives me the best chance to do that,” the recruit said during his announcement. “The family atmosphere there, the coaching staff, and the overall plan for success—it just felt like the right place for me.”
The decision to flip to Oklahoma over Notre Dame and Georgia also speaks to the rising importance of team fit and culture in today’s recruiting landscape. While Notre Dame and Georgia have had sustained success on the field in recent years, Oklahoma’s combination of football tradition, offensive system, and a clear path to early playing time were major draws.
Impact on the Programs Involved
This shocking flip has major implications for all the programs involved. Kansas State, which had hoped to solidify its position as a contender in the Big 12, is now left reeling from the loss of one of its most highly anticipated recruits in recent memory. The Wildcats will need to recalibrate their recruiting strategy moving forward, especially as the NIL landscape continues to evolve and influence future decisions.
For Oklahoma, this flip is a massive win. The Sooners had been in hot pursuit of elite talent for years, and securing this recruit solidifies their place among the nation’s elite programs. Oklahoma’s recruiting momentum, already strong after a solid 2024 class, has been further boosted by this acquisition, especially as the Sooners are preparing to compete in the expanded College Football Playoff.
On the other hand, Notre Dame and Georgia, who have each recruited at a high level under their respective head coaches, will now have to turn their attention to other potential recruits. For both programs, missing out on a player of this caliber represents a rare misstep, but it’s also a reminder of how fluid the recruiting process can be, especially with the rise of NIL offers.
The Bigger Picture
This recruitment saga underscores the changing dynamics of college football recruiting. NIL deals, once a peripheral consideration, have become central to a recruit’s decision-making process. However, as evidenced by this recruit’s decision to reject an enormous offer in favor of a long-term vision, other factors like coaching stability, program culture, and personal development remain significant drivers for elite athletes.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, this shocking twist serves as a reminder that in the world of college recruiting, anything can happen. Whether this recruit will live up to his immense potential remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his decision will be remembered as one of the most surprising and game-changing moves in recent college football history.
