Breaking: Five-Star Recruit Stuns College Football World by Turning Down $6.7M Offer. In a move that has left the college football community stunned, five-star quarterback Malik Jennings has officially decommitted from Kansas State, turned down a massive $6.7 million NIL deal, and announced that he’s headed to Ohio State — choosing the Buckeyes over another storied program, Notre Dame.
Jennings, widely considered the top dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, had originally pledged to Kansas State after the school’s booster-backed NIL collective reportedly put together a groundbreaking $6.7 million package. It included endorsements, branding opportunities, and financial incentives that would’ve made him one of the highest-paid incoming freshmen in the sport’s history.
But that commitment didn’t last long.
Earlier this week, Jennings took to social media with a cryptic but telling post: “Sometimes what glitters isn’t gold. #RespectMyDecision.” That post quickly fueled rumors of a change, and sure enough, he made it official within days — he was flipping to Ohio State.
“Money matters, but it’s not everything,” Jennings said in a follow-up interview. “Ohio State gives me the best chance to grow, to compete at the highest level, and to make it to the NFL. Coach Day’s system and what they’ve built in Columbus — it’s something I want to be a part of.”
Notre Dame made a strong final push, reportedly offering a deal in the $5 million range and pitching its prestigious academic and football legacy. Still, Ohio State’s proven quarterback development, consistent playoff contention, and offensive system gave them the edge.
Jennings’ decision is making waves across the college football landscape — not just because he passed up the money, but because it signals that high-profile recruits still value tradition, competition, and long-term goals over short-term financial gains. In an NIL era that has often prioritized the biggest offer, Jennings is reminding everyone that chasing greatness sometimes means betting on yourself, not the check.
