Breaking: Virginia Tech Men’s basketball Star Tobi Lawal Stuns College Football World, Rejects Jaw-Dropping $7.5 Million NIL Offer from Georgia, Notre Dame to Remain with the Tech: ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being Virginia Tech Championship…full Detail

BREAKING: Virginia Tech Basketball Star Tobi Lawal Stuns College Football World, Rejects $7.5M NIL Offer from Georgia, Notre Dame to Remain with the Hokies: ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being Virginia Tech Championship’

In one of the most unexpected and defining moments of the offseason, Virginia Tech men’s basketball standout Tobi Lawal has stunned the sports world by rejecting a massive $7.5 million NIL offer from college football powerhouses Georgia and Notre Dame — not to transfer, not to switch sports, but to stay exactly where he is: a Hokie.

The jaw-dropping offer reportedly included a full-position transition to tight end or edge rusher, complete with performance bonuses, endorsements, and multi-brand sponsorships already lined up. Scouts from both football programs viewed Lawal’s elite 6-foot-8 frame, athleticism, and rare burst as a potential first-round NFL talent with the right development. But Lawal was unmoved.

In a statement released Sunday morning, the junior forward made his decision clear:

“I respect the interest and opportunity — it means a lot. But I have no plans beyond being part of another Virginia Tech championship. My heart is in Blacksburg, on the hardwood, with the people who believed in me first. We built something real here — I’m not walking away from that.”

Lawal, a key figure in Virginia Tech’s 2024 national title run, became a fan favorite for his high-flying dunks, relentless defense, and unmatched energy on both ends of the court. Averaging 14.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game last season, he was instrumental in Tech’s magical march to the top, bringing toughness and charisma that made him a natural leader and a cult hero on campus.

But what makes this moment even more compelling is the context: in the NIL era, where multi-million-dollar offers can reroute careers overnight, Lawal’s loyalty is a rare anomaly. Turning down a life-changing payday to stay committed to a college basketball program — even a rising powerhouse like Virginia Tech — speaks volumes about his character, his bond with the team, and his belief in the vision under Head Coach Mike Young.

Young praised Lawal’s decision, calling it “a championship mindset.”

“Tobi isn’t just a special athlete — he’s a special person. He represents what this program stands for. Loyalty. Purpose. Unfinished business,” Young said in a press conference. “He didn’t just turn down money. He chose heart, family, and legacy.”

Sources close to Lawal say the offer from Georgia came with a fast-track training regimen to prep for the NFL Combine, while Notre Dame positioned him as a potential Heisman-level weapon in their offense. Both schools were “all in.” But Lawal never even visited.

Instead, he’s doubling down on Tech — not for money, but for banners, brotherhood, and something he calls “unfinished destiny.”

With Lawal returning, Virginia Tech is now considered an early favorite to repeat as national champions in 2025. The Hokies aren’t just holding on to their star — they’re holding on to their culture.

And as Lawal put it best: “I’m not done here. This is home.”