BREAKING: 5-Star QB Stuns South Carolina by Decommitting and Choosing Ohio State Over Tennessee and Nebraska
In a stunning twist to the college football recruiting world, five-star quarterback prospect, Jalen Thompson, has officially decommitted from South Carolina and committed to Ohio State. The decision has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, particularly in South Carolina, where Thompson’s commitment had been viewed as a huge win for head coach Shane Beamer and his program. The quarterback, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, had originally pledged to the Gamecocks earlier in the year. However, in a dramatic turn of events, he has chosen Ohio State over Tennessee and Nebraska, two other schools that were heavily in pursuit.
The Decision: Ohio State Over Tennessee and Nebraska
Thompson’s commitment to Ohio State marks a significant blow to South Carolina’s recruiting efforts, especially considering the high hopes fans had for his development in Columbia. A dual-threat quarterback known for his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make plays with his legs, Thompson is seen as one of the most dynamic prospects in recent years. His decision to switch allegiances comes at a time when recruiting is at its peak, with many top prospects making their final decisions before the early signing period.
Ohio State had always been in the mix, but their rise in Thompson’s recruitment in recent weeks caught many by surprise. The Buckeyes’ offensive pedigree, consistently producing top-tier quarterbacks and competing at the highest level, seems to have resonated with Thompson, who is looking for a program that can develop his skills and maximize his potential. Ohio State’s reputation for developing quarterbacks, including the recent success of C.J. Stroud and the continued emergence of their offensive system under head coach Ryan Day, played a significant role in Thompson’s decision.
While Tennessee and Nebraska were also in the running, Thompson seemed to have narrowed his focus as the decision date drew closer. Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, has been impressive on the recruiting trail, especially with its high-powered offense that has set the SEC on fire in recent seasons. However, the allure of Ohio State’s tradition of quarterback success ultimately tipped the scales in the Buckeyes’ favor.
Nebraska, led by head coach Matt Rhule, has been rebuilding under new leadership and showed strong interest in Thompson. But despite the program’s renewed energy and commitment to success, Thompson’s heart seemed set on competing at a top-tier program that can contend for national championships year in and year out.
What This Means for South Carolina
South Carolina’s loss of Thompson is a significant setback, especially considering the impact a five-star quarterback can have on a program’s future. Thompson had been seen as the centerpiece of South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class, and his commitment was seen as a pivotal moment in the program’s ascent under Beamer. South Carolina had hoped to capitalize on his commitment to build momentum and bring in more top-tier recruits, but now the Gamecocks are left scrambling to reassess their quarterback situation.
What’s Next for Thompson
With his commitment to Ohio State, Thompson now enters one of the most prestigious quarterback factories in college football. The Buckeyes have a long history of developing elite quarterbacks who have gone on to great success in the NFL, including Joe Burrow, Justin Fields, and the aforementioned C.J. Stroud. Thompson will have a chance to learn under Ryan Day’s tutelage and compete for the starting job in the coming years.
As Thompson prepares to make his official visit to Ohio State in the coming weeks, the focus will shift to how he can continue to develop as a player and whether he can live up to the sky-high expectations that come with being a five-star recruit.
For now, his decision has reshaped the 2025 recruiting landscape, and Ohio State now has a new quarterback of the future.