SHOCKWAVE IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL: 5-Star QB Flips from Colorado to Florida, Turns Down $7.3M NIL Deal!
In a decision that has left college football fans stunned and recruiting insiders scrambling for answers, 5-star quarterback phenom Julian “J5” Matthews has officially decommitted from the University of Colorado, flipping his commitment to the Florida Gators over powerhouse programs Notre Dame and Florida State—and reportedly turning down a jaw-dropping $7.3 million NIL offer in the process.
The 6-foot-5, 215-pound dual-threat signal-caller out of Duncanville, Texas, was widely seen as the centerpiece of Coach Deion Sanders’ 2026 class at Colorado. Matthews had been vocal about his admiration for Sanders’ leadership and the program’s momentum. But in a move that has sparked national conversation, the blue-chip quarterback shocked the nation with a video posted to social media Tuesday night. Standing in front of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Matthews announced:
“This is where legends are made. I’m a Gator now. Let’s build something real in The Swamp.”
Sources close to the situation say Matthews was offered an estimated $7.3 million NIL package to stay committed to Colorado, but turned it down in favor of what he called “culture, coaching, and legacy.” Florida head coach Billy Napier is believed to have played a critical role in flipping Matthews, emphasizing not just his fit in the Gators’ pro-style offense, but his future development into an NFL-caliber quarterback.
Notre Dame and Florida State, both deeply in the hunt up until the final days, were reportedly caught off guard. FSU insiders believed they were neck-and-neck, with several unofficial visits and a strong relationship with OC Alex Atkins. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s academic prestige and tradition made them a strong contender until the final hour.
Recruiting analysts are calling this one of the boldest flips in recent memory. “It’s not often you see a kid walk away from $7 million at age 17,” said 247Sports insider Rick Hamlin. “Julian Matthews just changed the recruiting game forever.”
Gator Nation, rejoice: the future just arrived.
#GoGators #CollegeFootballShock #JulianMatthews #NILDrama #FlipSeason #TheSwampIsReal
