In a jaw-dropping twist that has stunned the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Malik Sanders has officially flipped his commitment from the University of Georgia to the Nebraska Cornhuskers — rejecting a reported $7.5 million in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and turning down offers from national powerhouses like Notre Dame and Georgia.
Sanders, widely considered the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class, made the announcement during a live stream on social media Thursday evening, donning a Nebraska cap and declaring, “I’m going where my heart is — not just where the money flows.”
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound signal-caller had originally committed to Georgia earlier this year and was heavily courted by Notre Dame, with insiders reporting intense NIL bidding wars to secure his services. Rumors of a massive $7.5 million NIL offer from an SEC collective had surfaced just days before his sudden decommitment. But in a move that reflects a rare prioritization of legacy, development, and fit over financial incentives, Sanders cited Nebraska’s culture, head coach Matt Rhule’s leadership, and the program’s vision for the future as deciding factors.
“Nebraska believed in me before the hype,” Sanders said. “Coach Rhule and his staff see me as more than just a quarterback. They see me as a future leader.”
This commitment marks one of the most significant recruiting victories for Nebraska in the modern era and could be a turning point for a program seeking to return to national relevance. Rhule, entering his third season with the Huskers, praised Sanders for his maturity and commitment to long-term growth.
“Malik is a special talent, but he’s an even better person,” Rhule stated. “This is a culture-changing moment for Nebraska Football.”
The move will undoubtedly have ripple effects across the recruiting world as fans and analysts alike try to understand how Nebraska managed to outmaneuver college football’s biggest brands — without the biggest checkbook.
