Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $6.4 Million, Decommits from Michigan State, and Flips Commitment to Penn State Over Notre Dame and Florida State
In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Rivers has officially decommitted from Michigan State and announced his commitment to Penn State, rejecting offers from powerhouse programs Notre Dame and Florida State, and turning down an eye-popping $6.4 million NIL package in the process.
The decision comes just weeks after Rivers was rumored to have locked in a lucrative NIL deal tied to his Michigan State commitment — a deal that many believed made his recruitment a done deal. But in a move that has stunned coaches, analysts, and fans alike, Rivers flipped the script, citing “culture, development, and championship focus” as key factors in his decision.
“Money’s cool,” Rivers said in a live-streamed announcement, “but I’m not chasing the biggest bag — I’m chasing legacy. I believe in what Coach Franklin is building at Penn State.”
Rivers’ shocking flip has massive implications. The 6’4”, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback is ranked as the No. 2 QB in the 2025 class and the No. 8 overall player nationally, according to 247Sports. His elite arm strength, high football IQ, and playmaking ability have drawn comparisons to former Penn State star Trace McSorley — but with more raw talent and physical tools.
Penn State, fresh off a New Year’s Six bowl win and loaded with offensive weapons, now lands a potential game-changer under center for years to come. The Nittany Lions beat out blue-blood contenders and held strong against NIL pressure, signaling a major recruiting win and further cementing their status as a rising national title contender.
Insiders say the decision could also spark a domino effect in the 2025 class, with several top receivers and linemen now eyeing Happy Valley as a possible landing spot.
In a new era of college football driven by NIL money and transfer drama, Jalen Rivers just reminded everyone: winning still matters.
