Breaking news: 5-Star QB Stuns College Football World by Turning Down \$7.3 Million, Decommitting from Colorado, and Choosing Michigan Wolverines Over Notre Dame and Florida State….

**Ann Arbor, MI — May 28, 2025**

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, 5-star quarterback phenom **Jalen Richards** has officially decommitted from the University of Colorado, turning down a reported **\$7.3 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)** deal to commit to the **Michigan Wolverines**. The decision marks one of the most significant recruiting twists in recent memory, as Richards chose Michigan over other powerhouse programs including **Notre Dame** and **Florida State**.

Ranked as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 class by 247Sports and Rivals, Richards had been the crown jewel of Coach Deion Sanders’ Colorado rebuild. His verbal commitment to the Buffaloes in late 2024 came with massive fanfare—and even bigger NIL implications. But despite the lucrative offer and the spotlight that came with Coach Prime’s program, Richards opted for tradition, stability, and development.

> “At the end of the day, it wasn’t about money—it was about legacy,” Richards said in a statement posted to his social media. “Michigan gives me the best opportunity to grow as a player, a student, and a future pro.”

Sources close to Richards say that Michigan’s track record of sending quarterbacks to the NFL, the strength of its academic programs, and a strong connection with head coach **Sherrone Moore** were key factors in his decision. The Wolverines, fresh off a College Football Playoff run, now add a generational talent to an already elite roster.

Notre Dame and Florida State had also made aggressive late pushes, with reports indicating both schools presented multi-million dollar NIL opportunities. But in the end, the Wolverines’ blend of football tradition and long-term vision proved too compelling to pass up.

Recruiting experts are calling this one of the boldest moves by a top prospect in the NIL era.

> “It’s almost unheard of now for a recruit to walk away from that kind of money,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Richards just made a statement that goes beyond football—this could change the way elite players think about their futures.”

Michigan fans erupted with excitement on social media, with many praising Richards’ decision as a sign that college football’s soul isn’t entirely for sale. The Wolverines now find themselves with a potential Heisman-caliber quarterback in their pipeline and a renewed sense of momentum on the recruiting trail.

As for Colorado, the loss is a massive blow to Coach Sanders’ 2025 class and raises questions about whether NIL alone can sustain long-term recruiting success.

Jalen Richards is expected to enroll early at Michigan in January and could be in the mix to start as soon as his freshman season.