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5-Star QB Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from Jacksonville State Flips Commitment to Michigan wolverine Over Powerhouses Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia Bulldogs…..

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5-Star QB Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from Jacksonville State, Flips Commitment to Michigan Wolverines Over Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jalen Ricks has officially decommitted from Jacksonville State and flipped his commitment to the University of Michigan. The decision, announced via a heartfelt social media post on Saturday evening, comes as one of the most unexpected twists in recent recruiting memory — not just because of the flip itself, but because of who he flipped from and to.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback from Buford, Georgia had been committed to Jacksonville State since late March, a decision that initially baffled recruiting experts given his elite skill set and the numerous Power Five offers on the table. Rated as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class by multiple recruiting services and a consensus top-five overall prospect, Ricks was heavily pursued by SEC juggernauts Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, all of whom believed they were in the final running for his services.

Yet, despite those suitors, Ricks chose to pledge to a Jacksonville State program that’s still adjusting to the FBS level under the leadership of head coach Rich Rodriguez. It was a feel-good story — a David landing a Goliath-caliber recruit — and it set social media ablaze with praise, curiosity, and skepticism.

But as many expected, that story was too good to last.

The Decommitment: A Sudden Shift

“I want to thank Coach Rich Rod and the entire Jacksonville State staff for believing in me,” Ricks wrote in his announcement post. “They treated me like family, and this was not an easy decision. But after much prayer, discussion with my family, and further evaluation of my future, I’ve decided to decommit from Jacksonville State and reopen my recruitment.”

That post was soon followed by a second, even more bombastic tweet just hours later:

“I’m 100% COMMITTED to the University of Michigan. Go Blue!〽️”

And with that, Jalen Ricks had not only reopened his recruitment — he had effectively shut it down with a commitment to the Michigan Wolverines, the reigning Big Ten powerhouse and defending national champions. The flip sent Michigan fans into a frenzy and left fans of Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee reeling.

Why Michigan?

Ricks’ decision to spurn SEC royalty in favor of the Wolverines is being seen as a massive victory for new head coach Sherrone Moore, who took over for Jim Harbaugh after his departure to the NFL earlier this year. Moore, known as an elite recruiter and a players’ coach, had made Ricks his top target from the moment he took the reins in Ann Arbor.

In a recent interview, Ricks spoke about his connection with Moore and what ultimately sold him on Michigan.

“Coach Moore made it clear from day one that I was the guy. Not just a piece of the puzzle, but the centerpiece of their vision for the future,” Ricks said. “Michigan’s development, their culture, their ability to win big games — that all matters. But what stood out the most was how genuine and honest they were. I felt like family on every visit.”

He also cited Michigan’s quarterback lineage and offensive system as major factors. With former QBs like J.J. McCarthy making waves in the NFL, Michigan has established itself as a place where quarterbacks not only win — but thrive.

Fallout Across the South

The ripple effect of this decision is being felt far and wide, especially in the South.

Alabama, which had been heavily favored just weeks ago, now finds itself back at square one in its search for a face-of-the-future quarterback. Tennessee, who hosted Ricks for two unofficial visits this spring, reportedly had an NIL package ready to rival anyone in the country. And Georgia, the in-state powerhouse, thought it had momentum after hosting Ricks for their spring game in April.

For Jacksonville State, the loss is monumental. While few expected the Gamecocks to hold onto Ricks throughout the entire recruiting cycle, the program had begun using his commitment as a major recruiting tool to attract other high-caliber talent. His decommitment not only robs them of a generational quarterback, but also sends a message that holding onto elite talent remains a steep uphill climb for Group of Five and smaller FBS programs.

Reactions Pour In

The college football world reacted swiftly to the news. ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill called the flip “the biggest recruiting shock of the year so far,” while 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong labeled it “a program-changing commitment for Michigan.”

On social media, fans from all corners weighed in:

“Jacksonville State to Michigan?? This is wild. Huge win for Sherrone Moore. Go Blue!” – @UMFanatic23
“I really thought Alabama had him locked down. Big miss.” – @TideTalk
“Respect to Jalen Ricks for choosing what’s best for him. That Michigan offense is built for his style.” – @CFBInsider

Even Jacksonville State’s official football account posted a classy farewell:

“We wish Jalen nothing but the best at the next level. Once a Gamecock, always a Gamecock.”

What’s Next for Michigan

With Ricks in the fold, Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class has vaulted into the top five nationally and could push for the No. 1 spot if they continue to land top targets. His commitment not only solidifies the quarterback room for years to come, but also sends a strong signal to elite offensive talent across the country.

Ricks is expected to enroll early and compete for the starting job in 2026, once current starter Alex Orji graduates.

In an era where recruiting can flip on a dime, this one will be remembered for its sheer improbability. A five-star QB who once pledged to a rising Sun Belt program now heads north to lead one of college football’s biggest brands. If nothing else, Jalen Ricks has proven he’s not afraid to write his own story — and the college football world will be watching every chapter.


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