Waco, TX— In one of the most shocking and daring recruiting moves in recent memory, 5-star quarterback Jalen Porter, a generational talent in the Class of 2026, has officially decommitted from the Texas Longhorns, rejecting a massive $8.7 million NIL deal and flipping his commitment to the Baylor Bears, shocking the college football world and turning the recruiting landscape on its head.
Porter, a 6’3″, 215-pound signal-caller from Houston, Texas, had been committed to Texas for about a year and was largely regarded as the Longhorns’ future face. With a cannon arm, outstanding mobility, and great leadership instincts, he received offers from almost every major program in the nation. Instead of going with perennial powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia, both of which made late runs, Porter surprised everyone by committing to Dave Aranda and the Baylor Bears.
In a live-streamed commitment ceremony at his high school gymnasium, Porter unzipped a Texas jacket to show a green and gold Baylor shirt below, sending fans, analysts, and social media into a frenzy.
“This wasn’t about who could pay the most,” Porter explained. “This was about who supported me as a leader, not simply as a football player. Baylor made me feel like family from the start, and Coach Aranda demonstrated what it means to create something great through purpose, dedication, and faith.”
Porter’s selection was heavily influenced by Baylor’s culture, academic focus, and coaching philosophy, according to sources close to him. During the recruiting process, offensive coordinator Jake Spavital reportedly developed a tight bond with Porter and presented him with a quarterback-centric development plan that impressed the top prospect.
“This is a watershed moment for Baylor,” stated Rivals recruiting expert Mike Farrell. “You don’t just flip a 5-star quarterback from Texas and defeat Alabama and Georgia without providing something truly unique. Baylor has just sent a message to the whole Big 12.
Coach Aranda issued a statement shortly after the announcement, saying, “Jalen is the type of person and leader who embodies everything we look for in a Baylor Bear.” He’s a difference-maker not only on the field, but also in life.
In a collegiate football world increasingly dominated by headlines and money, Jalen Porter reminded everyone that believe, fit, and faith remain important.
Baylor football isn’t simply on the rise; they’re creating something substantial. And they now have their quarterback of the future.