The five-star quarterback surprises the college football world by turning down a $12.5 million offer from LSU, decommitting, and choosing the Oklahoma Sooners over Notre Dame and Georgia…

Five-Star Quarterback Shocks College Football by Rejecting $12.5M LSU Offer, Choosing Oklahoma

In a stunning move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, five-star quarterback recruit Jaxon Reynolds has decommitted from LSU despite reportedly being offered a staggering $12.5 million in NIL deals. Instead, the highly touted prospect has chosen to play for the Oklahoma Sooners, turning down other powerhouse programs, including Notre Dame and Georgia.

Reynolds, ranked as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, had long been considered a lock for LSU, with sources close to the program indicating he was set to become the Tigers’ next franchise signal-caller. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Reynolds announced on social media that he had changed his mind, citing a “better personal and football fit” with Oklahoma.

“This decision wasn’t about money—it was about where I feel I can develop best and win championships,” Reynolds said in a statement. “Oklahoma has a great tradition of producing elite quarterbacks, and I believe in what Coach [Brent] Venables and his staff are building.”

The move is a massive win for the Sooners, who have struggled in the NIL era to land top-tier quarterback talent. Oklahoma’s rich history of producing Heisman-winning quarterbacks, including Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams, likely played a major role in Reynolds’ decision.

LSU, on the other hand, is left reeling from the unexpected decommitment. The Tigers had aggressively pursued Reynolds, offering one of the largest NIL deals ever reported for a high school recruit. Despite their best efforts, the appeal of Oklahoma’s quarterback-friendly system proved too strong.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame and Georgia—two programs that were also in the running—now must pivot to other options at the position.

Reynolds’ decision underscores the evolving landscape of college football recruiting, where NIL money plays a major role but is not always the determining factor. Oklahoma fans are now celebrating what could be the start of another golden era at the quarterback position in Norman.