5-Star QB Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from Bengal Flips Commitment to LSU tigers Over Powerhouses Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia Bulldog
5-Star QB Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from Bengal, Flips Commitment to LSU Tigers Over Powerhouses Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Richardson has officially decommitted from the University of Cincinnati — nicknamed the Bearcats — and announced his stunning decision to flip his commitment to the LSU Tigers. The elite prospect had previously pledged his future to Cincinnati’s up-and-coming program, but in a twist that has captivated fans and analysts alike, Richardson is now headed to Baton Rouge, choosing LSU over perennial SEC juggernauts Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Richardson, widely regarded as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, made the announcement via a slickly produced video on social media. The video featured clips of his high school highlights interspersed with iconic LSU moments, ending with him donning the purple and gold jersey to a roaring online response. Within minutes, “Jalen to LSU” was trending nationally.
“I want to thank Coach Satterfield and the entire Cincinnati staff for believing in me,” Richardson said in a statement released shortly after the video. “It was a hard decision, but after a lot of prayer, talking with my family, and visiting campuses, I feel LSU is the best place for me to grow as a player and as a person.”
What makes this decision even more dramatic is that Richardson had previously expressed a strong desire to help elevate a non-traditional powerhouse like Cincinnati to national prominence. His commitment to the Bearcats was seen as a huge win for their program, especially after their historic College Football Playoff appearance in 2021. Many assumed he was locked in.
However, LSU’s persistent recruiting efforts, led by head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan, appear to have paid off. The Tigers made Richardson their top priority, hosting him for multiple unofficial visits and showcasing their vision for an explosive, quarterback-centric offense. Sources close to the recruitment say that the program’s recent track record of quarterback development — including Jayden Daniels’ meteoric rise and Heisman-level performance — played a significant role in Richardson’s decision.
Even more notable is the elite company LSU beat out for his services. Alabama and Georgia, both recent national champions with quarterback pipelines to the NFL, pulled out all the stops in their pursuit. Tennessee, with its dynamic offense under head coach Josh Heupel, also presented a compelling case.
Yet, LSU stood out.
“LSU just felt like home,” Richardson said in a post-announcement interview. “From the moment I stepped on campus, the energy, the passion, the culture — it was different. And the way they develop quarterbacks? That sealed it.”
Recruiting insiders describe the flip as one of the most significant of the 2025 cycle so far. With Richardson now on board, LSU’s class vaults into the national top five and sends a clear message: The Tigers are serious about contending for championships in the near future.
For Cincinnati, the loss is a tough blow, but the coaching staff remains focused on salvaging their class. Meanwhile, LSU fans are buzzing with excitement, dreaming of a future led by a quarterback whose arm talent and athleticism have drawn comparisons to Lamar Jackson and Caleb Williams.
As college football continues to evolve into a high-stakes, fast-moving recruiting battlefield, the Jalen Richardson saga serves as another reminder: nothing is guaranteed until pen meets paper on National Signing Day.