Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $8.5 Million, Decommits from Bengal, and Flips Commitment to Michigan wolverine Over Notre Dame and Florida State Seminole…

Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $8.5 Million, Decommits from Bengal, and Flips Commitment to Michigan Over Notre Dame and Florida State

In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Tyler “T.J.” Randall has made a dramatic shift in his recruitment, turning down a reported $8.5 million NIL deal, decommitting from the upstart Bengal program, and announcing his commitment to Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines, stunning Notre Dame and Florida State fans who were both considered top contenders.

The announcement, made via a nationally televised segment on College GameDay, left fans, coaches, and analysts scrambling to make sense of the 17-year-old signal caller’s stunning decision.

A Decision That Defies the NIL Era

In today’s NIL-driven college football world, where high school recruits are increasingly choosing programs based on financial incentives, Randall’s choice marks a rare and notable deviation. Sources close to Randall confirmed that the quarterback was offered a multi-year NIL package exceeding $8.5 million from the Bengal—a Group of Five program that has become known for its aggressive NIL strategies.

“T.J. is not your typical recruit,” said Randall’s high school coach, Marcus Williams of Cedar Bluff High School in Georgia. “He’s a student of the game, a guy who values tradition, development, and legacy. The money was never going to be the deciding factor for him.”

Indeed, the top-ranked QB in the 2025 class had long drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Caleb Williams and C.J. Stroud for his arm strength, mobility, and poise under pressure. His recruiting process reflected the attention: visits to blue-blood programs, FaceTime calls with head coaches, and endless speculation on social media. His original commitment to Bengal surprised many, as the school lacks the pedigree of the programs he ultimately chose between.

But Randall stunned the recruiting world even further with his decommitment from Bengal last week—citing a “desire for a bigger stage and a stronger football culture.” The announcement immediately reignited interest from Notre Dame, Florida State, and Michigan, all of whom had been in his top five earlier in the cycle.

The Final Flip: Michigan Wins the Battle

Just when it looked like Notre Dame had pulled ahead in the race—especially after hosting Randall and his family for an official visit—Michigan emerged from the shadows. Reports indicate Harbaugh made a late push, personally flying to Randall’s home to deliver the final pitch.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing in The Big House,” Randall said in his commitment video. “When Coach Harbaugh sat with my mom and dad and talked about his plan—not just for me as a player, but as a man—it just clicked. Michigan is where I want to be.”

Randall cited Michigan’s development of quarterbacks, recent College Football Playoff success, and “the unmatched tradition and brotherhood in Ann Arbor” as key reasons for his decision. Harbaugh, now entering his second season after returning from a brief NFL stint, called Randall’s commitment “program-defining.”

“We’re building something special, and T.J. is the kind of leader you build around,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “He’s got all the tools—on and off the field—to be one of the greats.”

Shockwaves Across the Country

Randall’s flip has had ripple effects nationwide. Bengal head coach Travis Rowe expressed disappointment but wished Randall well: “We gave T.J. everything we could. This is a blow, but we’ll regroup. He’s a great young man, and Michigan is getting a future star.”

Meanwhile, Florida State and Notre Dame fans were vocal on social media, some expressing frustration with their schools’ inability to close the deal. Randall reportedly formed a close bond with FSU offensive coordinator Tom Sanders and had built strong rapport with Notre Dame’s QB coach, Brian Mooney. Yet, neither relationship proved strong enough to overcome the appeal of Michigan.

Recruiting expert Tom Lemming called the flip “one of the biggest surprises of the year,” adding, “To walk away from that kind of money and still turn heads shows just how special this kid is. He values his legacy more than his bank account—for now.”

A Changing Narrative in College Football?

Randall’s decision also raises larger questions about the balance between NIL money and tradition in modern recruiting. While financial incentives have clearly reshaped the landscape, his story suggests that the core values of culture, coaching, and long-term development still hold sway for some elite prospects.

“He’s got a great head on his shoulders,” said ESPN analyst and former quarterback Robert Griffin III. “A lot of kids are going for the bag. T.J. just made a long-term investment in himself by picking the place he believes will make him the best quarterback and the best man.”

What Comes Next?

For Michigan, Randall’s commitment solidifies an already top-five recruiting class and sends a clear message that the Wolverines remain among the nation’s elite programs. The quarterback is expected to enroll early and compete for playing time as a true freshman in 2026, although current starter Alex Carrington is just entering his junior year.

“We’re not guaranteeing him anything except an opportunity,” said Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore. “But that’s all T.J. wants—he’ll earn the rest.”

As for Randall, he’s focused on finishing his senior season strong and preparing for the next level.

“I’m grateful for the process, but now it’s about work,” he said. “I’m a Michigan Wolverine, and I’m ready to prove I made the right choice.”

Five-Star QB Shocks College Football World by Turning Down $8.5 Million, Decommits from Bengal, and Flips Commitment to Michigan Over Notre Dame and Florida State

In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Tyler “T.J.” Randall has made a dramatic shift in his recruitment, turning down a reported $8.5 million NIL deal, decommitting from the upstart Bengal program, and announcing his commitment to Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines, stunning Notre Dame and Florida State fans who were both considered top contenders.

The announcement, made via a nationally televised segment on College GameDay, left fans, coaches, and analysts scrambling to make sense of the 17-year-old signal caller’s stunning decision.

A Decision That Defies the NIL Era

In today’s NIL-driven college football world, where high school recruits are increasingly choosing programs based on financial incentives, Randall’s choice marks a rare and notable deviation. Sources close to Randall confirmed that the quarterback was offered a multi-year NIL package exceeding $8.5 million from the Bengal—a Group of Five program that has become known for its aggressive NIL strategies.

“T.J. is not your typical recruit,” said Randall’s high school coach, Marcus Williams of Cedar Bluff High School in Georgia. “He’s a student of the game, a guy who values tradition, development, and legacy. The money was never going to be the deciding factor for him.”

Indeed, the top-ranked QB in the 2025 class had long drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Caleb Williams and C.J. Stroud for his arm strength, mobility, and poise under pressure. His recruiting process reflected the attention: visits to blue-blood programs, FaceTime calls with head coaches, and endless speculation on social media. His original commitment to Bengal surprised many, as the school lacks the pedigree of the programs he ultimately chose between.

But Randall stunned the recruiting world even further with his decommitment from Bengal last week—citing a “desire for a bigger stage and a stronger football culture.” The announcement immediately reignited interest from Notre Dame, Florida State, and Michigan, all of whom had been in his top five earlier in the cycle.

The Final Flip: Michigan Wins the Battle

Just when it looked like Notre Dame had pulled ahead in the race—especially after hosting Randall and his family for an official visit—Michigan emerged from the shadows. Reports indicate Harbaugh made a late push, personally flying to Randall’s home to deliver the final pitch.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing in The Big House,” Randall said in his commitment video. “When Coach Harbaugh sat with my mom and dad and talked about his plan—not just for me as a player, but as a man—it just clicked. Michigan is where I want to be.”

Randall cited Michigan’s development of quarterbacks, recent College Football Playoff success, and “the unmatched tradition and brotherhood in Ann Arbor” as key reasons for his decision. Harbaugh, now entering his second season after returning from a brief NFL stint, called Randall’s commitment “program-defining.”

“We’re building something special, and T.J. is the kind of leader you build around,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “He’s got all the tools—on and off the field—to be one of the greats.”

Shockwaves Across the Country

Randall’s flip has had ripple effects nationwide. Bengal head coach Travis Rowe expressed disappointment but wished Randall well: “We gave T.J. everything we could. This is a blow, but we’ll regroup. He’s a great young man, and Michigan is getting a future star.”

Meanwhile, Florida State and Notre Dame fans were vocal on social media, some expressing frustration with their schools’ inability to close the deal. Randall reportedly formed a close bond with FSU offensive coordinator Tom Sanders and had built strong rapport with Notre Dame’s QB coach, Brian Mooney. Yet, neither relationship proved strong enough to overcome the appeal of Michigan.

Recruiting expert Tom Lemming called the flip “one of the biggest surprises of the year,” adding, “To walk away from that kind of money and still turn heads shows just how special this kid is. He values his legacy more than his bank account—for now.”

A Changing Narrative in College Football?

Randall’s decision also raises larger questions about the balance between NIL money and tradition in modern recruiting. While financial incentives have clearly reshaped the landscape, his story suggests that the core values of culture, coaching, and long-term development still hold sway for some elite prospects.

“He’s got a great head on his shoulders,” said ESPN analyst and former quarterback Robert Griffin III. “A lot of kids are going for the bag. T.J. just made a long-term investment in himself by picking the place he believes will make him the best quarterback and the best man.”

What Comes Next?

For Michigan, Randall’s commitment solidifies an already top-five recruiting class and sends a clear message that the Wolverines remain among the nation’s elite programs. The quarterback is expected to enroll early and compete for playing time as a true freshman in 2026, although current starter Alex Carrington is just entering his junior year.

“We’re not guaranteeing him anything except an opportunity,” said Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore. “But that’s all T.J. wants—he’ll earn the rest.”

As for Randall, he’s focused on finishing his senior season strong and preparing for the next level.

“I’m grateful for the process, but now it’s about work,” he said. “I’m a Michigan Wolverine, and I’m ready to prove I made the right choice.”