By declining $7.3 million, decommitting from Colorado, and switching his commitment to the Florida Gators over Notre Dame and Florida State Seminole, the five-star quarterback shocks the college football world.
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, five-star quarterback Will Griffin has decommitted from the University of Colorado and committed to the University of Florida Gators for the 2026 recruiting class. This move is particularly remarkable given the reported $7.3 million NIL deal he was offered by Colorado, highlighting a significant shift in the dynamics of college football recruitment.
Will Griffin, a 6’3″, 225-pound quarterback from Tampa Jesuit High School, has been a highly sought-after prospect since his sophomore season. In 2023, he threw for 3,404 yards and 34 touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities and earning him a spot in the prestigious Under Armour All-American Game . His impressive performance on the field has garnered attention from top programs across the country, including Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Florida State.
In June 2024, Griffin committed to the University of Colorado, a decision that raised eyebrows due to the reported $7.3 million NIL deal offered to him. This deal would have made him one of the highest-paid high school recruits in history, underscoring the increasing influence of NIL deals in college football recruitment. However, despite the lucrative offer, Griffin’s commitment to Colorado was short-lived.
In a surprising move, Griffin decommitted from Colorado and reopened his recruitment. This decision came after careful consideration of his long-term goals, personal values, and the overall fit of the program. While the financial incentives were substantial, Griffin prioritized factors such as coaching stability, player development, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Griffin’s recruitment ultimately led him to the University of Florida, where he committed to the Gators for the 2026 class. His decision was influenced by several key factors:
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Coaching Staff: Griffin expressed confidence in Florida’s coaching staff, particularly head coach Billy Napier and quarterbacks coach Ryan O’Hara. He appreciated their approach to player development and their vision for the program’s future .
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Program Stability: Florida’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable program resonated with Griffin. He valued the stability and direction provided by the coaching staff.
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Family Considerations: Being close to home was a significant factor in Griffin’s decision. The proximity of Gainesville to Tampa allows his family to attend games and support him throughout his college career .
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Quarterback Room: Griffin is excited about the opportunity to learn from and compete with other talented quarterbacks at Florida, including DJ Lagway, the Gators’ top recruit for the 2024 class .
Griffin’s decision to turn down a substantial NIL offer and commit to Florida over programs like Notre Dame and Florida State signifies a shift in the priorities of top recruits. While financial incentives remain a significant factor, recruits are increasingly considering elements such as coaching stability, program direction, and personal fit when making their decisions.
This trend could influence future recruitment strategies, with programs focusing more on building strong relationships with recruits and emphasizing the long-term benefits of their programs. Additionally, Griffin’s decision may prompt other recruits to reevaluate the role of NIL deals in their recruitment process, considering both the immediate financial benefits and the long-term development opportunities offered by different programs.
