Breaking News: Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Rejecting $7.5 Million, Decommits from East Carolina, and Flips Commitment to Ohio State Over Notre Dame and Georgia Bulldogs
In one of the most dramatic twists of the college football recruiting season, five-star quarterback phenom Treyden Mitchell, widely considered the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 class, has officially flipped his commitment to Ohio State, spurning both Notre Dame and the Georgia Bulldogs, and stunning the football world by turning down a reported $7.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer tied to his previous commitment to East Carolina University (ECU).
Mitchell’s sudden decommitment from East Carolina—a non-Power Five program rarely in contention for elite recruits—caught both fans and analysts off guard. The original commitment had raised eyebrows months ago, with many suspecting the heavy NIL backing behind ECU’s pitch was instrumental. Multiple sources close to the situation confirmed that ECU boosters, through a collective, had structured a deal worth up to $7.5 million in NIL earnings over four years, with immediate payouts beginning upon his enrollment. Yet in a shocking move, Mitchell informed coaches and teammates early this morning that he would be renouncing the deal and committing to Ohio State instead.
A Bold Move Against the NIL Tide
At a time when NIL money is often a deciding factor for top-tier recruits, Mitchell’s decision to turn down a multi-million dollar package in favor of a more traditional football powerhouse underscores what some are calling a “return to legacy-driven recruitment.”
“This isn’t about money for me,” Mitchell said in a statement released on social media. “I respect everything East Carolina offered me. Their coaches, staff, and fans have been amazing. But at the end of the day, my dream has always been to compete at the highest level, develop into the best quarterback I can be, and win a national championship. That’s what I believe I can do at Ohio State.”
The statement was followed by a video post showing Mitchell donning a Buckeyes jersey, standing on the field at Ohio Stadium—seemingly filmed during an unannounced visit over the past weekend.
Why Ohio State?
Ohio State has a rich tradition of developing elite quarterbacks and sending them to the NFL, including C.J. Stroud, Justin Fields, and Dwayne Haskins in recent years. That history, combined with the program’s national brand and offensive system under head coach Ryan Day, appears to have swayed Mitchell.
“Treyden is a competitor,” said quarterback trainer Quincy Avery, who has worked with Mitchell for over three years. “He’s not afraid of a challenge, and Ohio State offers the best of everything—elite coaching, competition, facilities, and a fan base that lives and breathes football.”
Insiders also point to Ohio State’s emphasis on quarterback development over immediate NIL gain. While the Buckeyes are not without significant NIL resources, their pitch to Mitchell reportedly focused more on long-term value: preparation for the NFL, brand-building beyond football, and the opportunity to lead one of the most storied programs in college athletics.
Impact on East Carolina and the Recruiting Landscape
ECU, which had never landed a recruit even close to Mitchell’s caliber, now faces a jarring reset. The program had built significant hype around his commitment, with local media dubbing it “the arrival of the Pirate Era.” The loss not only strips ECU of a potentially transformative talent but also raises questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of NIL-focused recruitment strategies, especially for smaller programs trying to break into the national conversation.
“This could be a watershed moment,” said former college coach and ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill. “It shows that money doesn’t always win, and some kids are still chasing legacy, competition, and NFL development above short-term gain.”
The Notre Dame and Georgia Factors
Before his commitment to ECU, Mitchell was heavily linked with Notre Dame and Georgia, both of whom remained active in his recruitment even after he initially chose the Pirates. Sources indicate Notre Dame offered a compelling academic-athletic package, while Georgia’s SEC dominance and recent quarterback success were key attractions. But Ohio State’s recent offensive performance and development pipeline seemed to tip the scale in Columbus’s favor.
“It was a battle,” a source close to Mitchell’s camp said. “Georgia had the edge in pedigree and competition, and Notre Dame appealed to his values and long-term education goals. But in the end, the Buckeyes hit the sweet spot between development, exposure, and competitive environment.”
What’s Next for Mitchell?
Mitchell is expected to graduate early and enroll at Ohio State in January 2026. He’ll enter a quarterback room that currently includes rising sophomore Devin Brown and five-star freshman Julian Sayin. While there will be competition, many expect Mitchell to push for playing time early, given his elite arm strength, football IQ, and leadership presence.
“Ohio State is getting a real one,” said Avery. “Treyden’s been preparing for this moment his whole life, and he’s about to show the world why he’s the best QB in this class.”
As the dust settles, the ripples from this decision are being felt across the recruiting landscape. In an NIL-driven era, Mitchell’s move is a reminder that legacy, competition, and long-term vision still matter.
And for Ohio State fans, it’s just the latest sign that the Buckeyes remain at the very top of college football’s recruiting food chain.