Breaking News: Five-Star Recruit Stuns College Football by Turning Down $6.7 Million, Decommits from TCU, and Chooses LSU Tigers Over Notre Dame and Georgia

In a stunning turn of events, one of the most coveted prospects in recent college football recruiting history has made a decision that sent shockwaves through the sport. The five-star recruit, who had previously committed to Texas Christian University (TCU), shocked the college football world when he announced that he would decommit from TCU, turn down a lucrative NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal worth a jaw-dropping $6.7 million, and ultimately chose to sign with the LSU Tigers. This unprecedented move has set the college football recruiting world abuzz, as the young athlete’s decision not only impacts the landscape of college football but also raises intriguing questions about the future of recruiting and NIL deals in the sport.

The Recruit

The recruit in question is none other than 18-year-old quarterback Xavier “X” Harrison, a generational talent who has been drawing comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. Standing 6’4” and weighing 220 pounds, Harrison possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength that scouts and coaches have been drooling over for years. Known for his rocket arm, ability to make every throw on the field, and his poise under pressure, Harrison was projected to be a future star at the collegiate level, and likely a top pick in the NFL Draft once his college career concluded.

Throughout his high school career at Cypress Ridge High School in Houston, Texas, Harrison broke numerous records, including the state’s single-season passing touchdowns record. His high school performances were nothing short of spectacular, earning him the honor of being ranked the top quarterback prospect in the nation by recruiting services such as 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN. He was the crown jewel of the 2025 recruiting class and was considered the prize of this year’s recruiting cycle.

The Commitment to TCU

Initially, Harrison made headlines in early 2024 when he announced his commitment to Texas Christian University (TCU) after a highly publicized recruitment process. The decision was viewed as a huge victory for TCU, a program that has been on the rise in recent years under head coach Sonny Dykes, who led the Horned Frogs to a College Football Playoff appearance in the 2022 season.

Harrison’s commitment to TCU was viewed as a seismic shift in the college football landscape. For years, the program had struggled to recruit elite talent, particularly at the quarterback position. Harrison’s commitment was seen as a sign that the Horned Frogs were ready to take the next step and establish themselves as a powerhouse in the Big 12 and on the national stage. The announcement was met with widespread praise from TCU fans and alumni, who were eager to see their program take the next step into national prominence with a quarterback of Harrison’s caliber.

Perhaps most noteworthy was the timing of his commitment. The summer of 2024 was a crucial period for recruiting, and Harrison’s decision to commit to TCU early in the cycle served as a strong recruiting tool for the program. It was expected that TCU would build around Harrison and continue to bring in high-level recruits who would complement the five-star quarterback.

The NIL Deal

As Harrison’s recruitment continued to unfold, the influence of the burgeoning NIL market became increasingly apparent. Over the past few years, NIL deals have become a pivotal part of recruiting in college football, with top-tier players leveraging their name, image, and likeness to secure lucrative deals that can often exceed millions of dollars.

Harrison’s NIL value had been skyrocketing ever since he became a household name in the recruiting world. As one of the highest-rated prospects in recent memory, the offers flooded in from all angles, with companies clamoring for the chance to have him endorse their brands.

However, the offer that stunned the college football world came from Texas-based tech company, EpicTech Solutions, which reportedly offered Harrison a staggering $6.7 million deal to stay in his home state and play for TCU. The deal, which would have been the largest NIL deal ever offered to a high school recruit, would have made Harrison the face of the company’s marketing campaign, as well as provide him with significant financial opportunities.

While the $6.7 million offer was incredibly tempting, Harrison, along with his family and advisors, began to wrestle with the implications of such a deal. There were concerns about the pressure of living up to such high expectations, as well as the influence that a large financial contract might have on his long-term goals of reaching the NFL. Ultimately, the decision came down to what was best for Harrison’s development as a player and his future prospects.

The Decommitment

In a move that shocked many, Harrison announced in early March 2025 that he would be decommitting from TCU, despite the massive NIL offer. This announcement sent ripples through the college football world, with fans and analysts alike scrambling to understand why the five-star recruit would turn down such a lucrative offer.

The reasons behind the decommitment were largely kept private at first, but it was later revealed that Harrison had come to the conclusion that his future lay elsewhere. According to sources close to the situation, Harrison felt that he needed a better fit for his skill set and a program that would provide him with the best chance to develop into a future NFL quarterback. Despite the appeal of staying in Texas and the financial windfall that TCU’s NIL deal presented, Harrison felt that the football culture at LSU and the chance to play for head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Joe Brady presented a more appealing path to his professional goals.

The Final Decision: LSU Over Notre Dame and Georgia

After decommitting from TCU, Harrison entered the final stages of his recruitment, and the three primary contenders for his signature emerged: LSU, Notre Dame, and Georgia.

LSU Tigers: A New Era Under Brian Kelly

LSU, under the leadership of Brian Kelly, has been one of the most successful programs in the SEC in recent years. With a rich football tradition, including multiple national championships and an explosive offense, LSU represented an opportunity for Harrison to play on the grandest stage of college football.

The allure of LSU became even more prominent with the presence of Joe Brady, who had helped develop former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow into a Heisman-winning, national champion. Brady’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer made LSU an attractive landing spot for Harrison, who was eager to work with one of the brightest minds in college football.

Additionally, LSU’s football culture, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is second to none. The passionate fanbase, the electric atmosphere of Tiger Stadium, and the opportunity to play in the SEC — widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football — made LSU the ideal destination for Harrison’s development.

Notre Dame: Tradition Meets Stability

Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, also emerged as a strong contender for Harrison’s signature. The Fighting Irish have a storied football program, rich in history and tradition, and have consistently been among the top teams in the country. The program has a reputation for developing quarterbacks and sending them to the NFL, and Freeman’s leadership was seen as a stabilizing force for the program.

However, Notre Dame’s appeal was not enough to sway Harrison. Despite the tradition and academic excellence that Notre Dame offers, Harrison ultimately felt that LSU’s offensive system, combined with the opportunity to play in the SEC, offered him the best chance to reach his full potential.

Georgia: The Defending Champions

Georgia, led by head coach Kirby Smart, was also a major player in Harrison’s recruitment. The Bulldogs had recently won back-to-back national championships and were firmly entrenched as one of the best programs in college football. Georgia’s track record of developing elite quarterbacks and their ability to consistently contend for national titles was an enticing factor for Harrison.

However, despite the Bulldogs’ recent success, Harrison ultimately chose LSU over Georgia. While Georgia’s defense and overall program were top-notch, Harrison believed that LSU offered the more dynamic offensive system and the potential for faster development as a quarterback.

The Reaction

Harrison’s decision to commit to LSU over TCU, Notre Dame, and Georgia has sent shockwaves through the college football world. Analysts and fans alike are praising Harrison for making a decision based on his long-term goals and development, rather than simply chasing the financial rewards of NIL deals. His decision also highlights the increasing influence of NIL in the recruitment process, as Harrison could have easily opted for the massive financial gain that TCU offered but instead chose to prioritize his future career over immediate compensation.

TCU fans are understandably disappointed by Harrison’s decommitment, especially after the program’s significant investment in securing his services. However, there is still optimism surrounding the future of the Horned Frogs, who have made significant strides in recent years and are building a strong program under Coach Dykes.

For LSU, Harrison’s commitment is a huge win, not only because they land one of the best quarterbacks in the country but because it further establishes the Tigers as a recruiting powerhouse under Brian Kelly’s leadership. The addition of Harrison is expected to help LSU challenge for SEC titles and potentially national championships in the coming years.

As for Harrison, his decision to forgo the massive NIL offer in favor of his long-term development has made him one of the most talked-about recruits in college football history. The eyes of the college football world will be on Baton Rouge as Harrison begins his journey with the LSU Tigers, and the future of college football recruiting will surely be shaped by the choices he made.

Xavier Harrison’s decision to turn down $6.7 million, decommit from TCU, and choose LSU over Notre Dame and Georgia marks a new chapter in the ongoing evolution of college football recruiting. It is a reminder that while financial incentives are an undeniable part of today’s game, the future of the sport will ultimately depend on the players’ development, the quality of coaching, and the ability of institutions to provide an environment that fosters success on and off the field.

As Harrison prepares for his next steps, college football fans, analysts, and future recruits will closely watch how his decision plays out, with many hoping it serves as a blueprint for the future of NIL and college football recruiting.