$4.5 Million, Decommits from Rutgers and Flips Commitment to Michigan Over Notre Dame and Florida State…
In one of the most jaw-dropping moves of the 2025 recruiting cycle, five-star quarterback phenom Malik Hunter has decommitted from Rutgers University and announced his commitment to the University of Michigan — turning down a staggering $4.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) package in the proces
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound signal-caller from Lakeland, Florida, is widely regarded as the top dual-threat quarterback in the country and a once-in-a-generation talent. His decision to walk away from millions in guaranteed NIL money and flip to a traditional powerhouse speaks volumes not only about his character and long-term goals but also about the changing dynamics in college football recruitin
A Shocking Fl
Hunter initially stunned the college football world last year when he committed to Rutgers, a program that has historically struggled in the Big Ten and has never been considered a destination for elite quarterback prospects. That commitment, aided by a highly publicized NIL deal reportedly valued at $4.5 million over four years, made headlines nationwid
The deal included endorsements with local New Jersey businesses, a car sponsorship, apparel licensing, and digital media appearances. Rutgers fans hailed it as the beginning of a new era, and the program leaned into the momentum, building their 2025 class around Hunte
But on Monday morning, Hunter dropped a bombshell on social medi
> “After deep reflection with my family and prayer, I’ve decided to decommit from Rutgers and flip my commitment to the University of Michigan. This is about legacy, development, and chasing championships. Go Blue!〽️” he posted on X (formerly Twitter
Why Michi
According to multiple sources close to Hunter’s recruitment, Michigan’s pitch centered not around NIL money, but on culture, development, and tradition. Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore and quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell reportedly built a relationship with Hunter over several months, even while he remained verbally committed to Rutger
Michigan emphasized the program’s resurgence, its back-to-back Big Ten titles in 2022 and 2023, and its reputation for preparing quarterbacks for the NFL. The Wolverines’ recent College Football Playoff appearances and national title run made a compelling case for an athlete focused on legacy and professional preparatio
“They didn’t try to buy me,” Hunter said in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated. “They showed me a path to greatness — on the field and off. I want to be coached hard. I want to be developed. I want to play for championships in front of 110,000 people every week
Turning Down Millio
Hunter’s decision to walk away from a multimillion-dollar deal is almost unheard of in today’s NIL-driven recruiting landscape. The financial commitment from Rutgers’ collective and commercial partners was seen as one of the most ambitious in modern college football. Industry insiders expected that few programs could match i
While Michigan is no stranger to NIL incentives, it’s clear that Hunter’s choice was not primarily financially drive
“He turned down life-changing money to follow his dream,” said his high school coach, DeMarcus Reynolds. “That takes courage and vision. Most kids wouldn’t do what Malik just did
Hunter’s move has sparked widespread discussion about whether NIL is distorting priorities in college football or simply giving athletes fair value for their brand. His case, however, is being held up as an example of an elite athlete prioritizing long-term success over short-term gai
Notre Dame and Florida State Miss O
Hunter’s recruitment had been heating up in recent months. Despite his verbal commitment to Rutgers, several blue-blood programs continued their pursuit, most notably Notre Dame and Florida Stat
Notre Dame, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, offered Hunter a unique combination of academic prestige and football tradition. Hunter took an unofficial visit to South Bend in April and was reportedly impressed with the atmosphere and coaching staf
Florida State, meanwhile, was a sentimental favorite. As a Florida native, Hunter grew up watching Seminole legends like Jameis Winston and Charlie Ward. FSU made a hard push in May, inviting him for a private visit and making a compelling pitch around early playing time and NIL incentives of their ow
But in the end, Michigan’s stability, development pipeline, and recent success proved irresistibl
Implications for Rutge
Losing Hunter is a devastating blow for Rutgers. Head coach Greg Schiano had pinned much of his 2025 recruiting strategy on Hunter’s presence. With the star QB now out of the picture, the Scarlet Knights must pivot — quickly — to salvage the class and prevent a ripple effect of other decommitment
More broadly, the situation raises questions about the sustainability of mid-tier programs using NIL to lure top talent. Without deep-rooted football tradition or competitive success, keeping elite players committed remains a significant challenge, even with money on the tabl
A Franchise Quarterback for Michig
With Hunter now in the fold, Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class moves into the Top 3 nationally, bolstered by his presence as a foundational piece. Analysts are already projecting him as a potential early starter in Ann Arbor, depending on how the current quarterback room shakes ou
“Malik Hunter is the most complete quarterback prospect I’ve scouted in the last five years,” said 247Sports analyst Steve Wiltfong. “He can throw every ball, rFive-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $4.5 Million, Decommits from Rutgers, and Flips Commitment to Michigan Over Notre Dame and Florida State… after the… Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $4.5 Million, Decommits from Rutgers, and Flips Commitment to Michigan Over Notre Dame and Florida State… after the… Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $4.5 Million, Decommits from rutgers, and Flips Commitment to Michigan wolverine Over Notre Dame and Florida State Seminole…https://www.sportheatrenews.com/?p=7334 from Rutgers and flip to Michigan is more than just a recruiting shocker — it’s a defining moment in the evolution of college football. It’s a story about priorities, legacy, and the enduring power of tradition in an era increasingly driven by dollars.ts.”t.ane.s.rse.n.f.e.utn..”n.t.ns.”n.s.gan?).a.r.e.ipg.s