Breaking News: Five-Star Recruit Rejects $6.5 Million, Decommits from Rice, and Chooses LSU Over Notre Dame and Georgia
In a stunning turn of events, five-star football recruit **Jordan “J.T.” Reynolds** has shocked the college football world by rejecting a reported **$6.5 million NIL deal**, decommitting from **Rice University**, and committing to **LSU** over powerhouse programs **Notre Dame and Georgia**.
Reynolds, a **6-foot-5, 240-pound edge rusher** from Houston, Texas, had initially committed to Rice in what was considered one of the biggest underdog wins in recruiting history. However, sources close to the situation say the allure of competing in the **SEC** and developing under LSU’s elite coaching staff proved too strong to ignore.
“This wasn’t about money,” Reynolds said in a statement. “I had opportunities to go anywhere, but I wanted to be in a place that would develop me into the best football player and person possible. LSU felt like home.”
Reynolds’ decommitment from Rice had already sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, but his decision to turn down a **multi-million dollar NIL offer** to play at LSU further underscores the evolving landscape of college football. While Notre Dame and Georgia made strong late pushes, LSU’s defensive scheme and player development track record gave the Tigers the edge.
LSU head coach **Brian Kelly** was thrilled with the decision, calling Reynolds a “program-changing talent” who will make an immediate impact. With this commitment, LSU solidifies its **top-five recruiting class** and adds a potential future first-round NFL draft pick to its defense.
As the NIL era continues to shape recruiting, Reynolds’ decision proves that for some players, **legacy and development** still outweigh financial incentives.
