Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $7.3 Million, Decommits from Colorado, and Flips Commitment to Florida Over Notre Dame and Florida State

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Gainesville, FL — In one of the most jaw-dropping twists of the 2025 college football recruiting cycle, five-star quarterback Malik Thompson, the nation’s No. 2 overall recruit and top-ranked dual-threat quarterback, has flipped his commitment to the Florida Gators—spurning Colorado, Florida State, and Notre Dame in the process.

But that’s not all.

Thompson reportedly turned down a $7.3 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer—believed to have come from a major collective linked to Colorado’s program. Instead, the Georgia native has chosen to stake his future on tradition, opportunity, and what he called “a vision bigger than money.”

“I’ve dreamed about playing in the Swamp since I was a kid,” Thompson said in a surprise commitment video released Monday night. “And at the end of the day, this decision is about football, about family, and about becoming a legend. Florida felt like home.”

The Shocking Decommitment: What Went Wrong at Colorado

Just weeks ago, Thompson looked like the face of Colorado’s future. He was one of Coach Deion Sanders’ most prized recruits, frequently photographed alongside Prime Time at Boulder events, and expected to take the reins from Shedeur Sanders in 2026.

But behind the scenes, things weren’t as solid.

According to multiple sources close to Thompson’s camp, there were concerns about instability, NIL transparency, and conflicting offensive philosophies.

“The vibe changed,” one source said. “They wanted Malik to be more of a system guy, and that’s not who he is. He’s a playmaker—he needs to play free.”

Reports also indicate that Thompson’s family was heavily involved in the decision. His mother, a longtime Florida fan, was spotted in Gainesville earlier this month—her third visit since January.

A Bold Flip to the Gators: Why Florida Won

Thompson’s commitment to the Gators marks a massive recruiting win for head coach Billy Napier, who has been under pressure to deliver elite quarterback talent after two inconsistent seasons under center.

The decision comes after an aggressive final push from Florida’s staff, who prioritized Thompson like no other program. Offensive coordinator Ryan O’Hara reportedly installed parts of Florida’s offensive playbook during private film sessions, giving Thompson a clear picture of how he would be used.

“They see me as the guy,” Thompson said. “Not just a player, but a leader who can change the trajectory of the program. I felt that from every coach I met. I didn’t feel that everywhere.”

Key factors in Florida’s favor:

Immediate path to playing time in 2026
A pro-style offense built to showcase his dual-threat skills
A top-5 incoming offensive line class
The re-emergence of Florida’s receiver room
Thompson’s lifelong admiration of Gator legends like Tim Tebow

The $7.3 Million NIL Offer: A Statement Beyond the Money

One of the most staggering parts of the story: Thompson declined a $7.3 million NIL package, reportedly one of the five largest ever offered to a high school player.

The package included:

Guaranteed appearances with top brands
A luxury car lease
A monthly stipend exceeding $30,000
Ownership percentage in a Colorado-based NIL collective

Still, Thompson walked away.

“Money’s temporary,” he said in his commitment video. “Legacy is forever. I’m not chasing paychecks. I’m chasing championships.”

His decision is being hailed across the college football world as a refreshing reminder that culture, development, and legacy still matter.

Fallout at Colorado: Prime Time Caught Off Guard

Coach Deion Sanders was reportedly “blindsided” by the flip, having spent significant personal time recruiting Thompson over the last eight months.

Sanders took to social media with a cryptic post:

“A man’s decision is his own. Ain’t mad at nobody chasing their truth. But trust me, we’ll be just fine in Boulder. #WeComing”

Still, the loss stings. Colorado’s quarterback depth behind Shedeur Sanders is thin, and many insiders viewed Thompson as the long-term solution.

“This could reset Colorado’s trajectory,” one Pac-12 analyst said. “You don’t lose a generational QB like that without consequences.”

The Impact on Florida’s Future

With Thompson now in the fold, Florida’s 2026 class rockets to No. 3 nationally and climbs to No. 1 in the SEC, passing Georgia and Alabama.

More importantly, the Gators now have a future face of the program—an elite talent who could finally end the quarterback carousel that’s plagued Florida since Kyle Trask’s departure.

What Florida is Getting in Malik Thompson:

6’3”, 205 pounds
4.52 40-yard dash
3,800 passing yards, 42 TDs as a junior
1,100 rushing yards, 16 TDs on the ground
A cannon arm with off-script creativity

Recruiting analysts have compared him to Lamar Jackson with better touch, and Caleb Williams with more humility.

“He’s got all the physical tools,” said ESPN’s Tom Luginbill. “But what separates Malik is his leadership and maturity. He’s going to be a star.”

Notre Dame, FSU Left Scrambling

Two other programs in the final mix—Notre Dame and Florida State—are now left reassessing their QB boards.

FSU thought they had momentum after hosting Thompson for a private visit earlier this month. Meanwhile, Notre Dame pitched a pro-style system that emphasized early NFL development.

But ultimately, neither could match Florida’s mix of playing time, scheme, and comfort.

“We loved everything about those places,” Thompson said. “But Florida just felt like the full package.”

Reactions from Around the Country

ESPN College GameDay:

“Florida just got their next superstar. This could be a Tebow-level impact.”

On3 Recruiting:

“Massive recruiting coup. And the fact that he turned down $7.3M? That’s unheard of in this era.”

Former Gator QB Tim Tebow:

“This young man made a choice that reflects heart, faith, and vision. I couldn’t be prouder to see him in orange and blue.”

Gator Twitter:

@GatorNation: “WE GOT HIM. THE FUTURE IS ORANGE.”
@SwampKings: “Malik Thompson. Say it loud. Say it proud.
@CollegeFBTalk: “Most shocking flip of the year—and maybe the biggest win for Billy Napier’s career.”

What Comes Next: Thompson’s Plans

Thompson confirmed he will:

Graduate early in December
Enroll at Florida in January 2026
Participate in spring practices
Likely redshirt behind a veteran QB in 2026, then start in 2027

He also plans to bring talent with him. His high school teammate, five-star receiver Tyrese Mills, is now trending toward Florida after being crystal-balled to FSU.

“I’m building something in Gainesville,” Thompson said. “I want dogs. I want ballers. I want Gators.”

Billy Napier’s Defining Moment

After a turbulent start to his Florida tenure, Billy Napier may have just landed the recruit that defines his coaching era.

“This is what building a program looks like,” Napier said in a brief statement. “Malik is an elite talent, but even more importantly, he’s an elite person. We’re beyond excited.”

Behind closed doors, Florida staffers reportedly celebrated the commitment like a national title, calling it “the biggest flip since Tebow.”

If Thompson becomes even half of what scouts believe he can be, that celebration may prove prophetic.

A Commitment That Transcends Recruiting

In an era dominated by NIL money, social media branding, and short-term fame, Malik Thompson just made a decision rooted in something rarer: authenticity.

He chose legacy over luxury. He chose Gainesville over glitz. He chose to build, not buy, his future.