5-Star QB Stuns College Football World by Turning Down $7.3 Million, Decommitting from Colorado, and Choosing Texas A&M Over Notre Dame and Florida State
In a jaw-dropping twist that’s sent shockwaves through the college football world, 5-star quarterback phenom Malik Owens has officially decommitted from Colorado and announced his commitment to Texas A&M, despite massive NIL offers reportedly worth up to $7.3 million. The 17-year-old signal-caller from California had narrowed his choices to Colorado, Notre Dame, Florida State, and Texas A&M, but few expected the Aggies to come out on top—especially after reports emerged about the eye-popping NIL deal being dangled by Coach Prime’s Colorado program.
Owens, the No. 1 dual-threat QB in the 2025 class, had committed to Colorado last fall amid enormous hype, citing his admiration for Deion Sanders and the chance to lead one of college football’s most media-covered programs. But in recent months, insiders hinted at friction between Owens’ camp and the Buffaloes’ coaching staff, with concerns over offensive scheme fit and depth chart promises bubbling beneath the surface.
While Notre Dame and Florida State remained in hot pursuit, pitching tradition, development, and exposure, it was Texas A&M’s new-look program under Head Coach Mike Elko that ultimately won Owens over. Sources close to the recruitment say Owens was sold not only on the Aggies’ revamped offense but also on the long-term vision—one that prioritizes development over short-term NIL money.
“At the end of the day, it’s about legacy, not just money,” Owens said during his commitment livestream. “I want to be in a place that believes in me and develops quarterbacks to get to the next level. Texas A&M is that place.”
The decision sent social media into a frenzy, with fans and analysts alike stunned by Owens’ move to turn down generational money in favor of a program still in the process of rebuilding. For Texas A&M, it’s a monumental recruiting victory that signals a potential shift in power in the SEC. For Colorado, it’s a massive loss and a reality check on the limits of NIL-driven recruiting.
One thing is clear: Owens isn’t chasing headlines—he’s chasing greatness.
