“College Football Shocker: 5-Star Phenom Rejects $6.7M Deal, Snubs TCU, Notre Dame & Georgia to Join LSU Tigers”
BATON ROUGE, LA – In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals dictate college football’s biggest commitments, one recruit just defied all expectations. Five-star offensive lineman Soloman Thomas sent shockwaves through the sport when he turned down a jaw-dropping $6.7 million NIL offer, decommitted from TCU, and spurned powerhouse programs Notre Dame and Georgia—all to join Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers.
This wasn’t just a commitment. This was a statement.
The $6.7 Million Gamble
College football recruiting has become a battlefield of money, prestige, and power. In recent years, high-profile players have followed the money, securing massive NIL deals before stepping foot on campus. Thomas, however, broke the mold.
For months, insiders claimed TCU had locked him in with a record-setting NIL package. The Texas-based program, eager to land a generational talent, reportedly structured a deal that would have made Thomas one of the highest-paid recruits in the country. Notre Dame and Georgia, both desperate to bolster their offensive lines, made their own strong pitches, hoping to land the 6’6”, 320-pound lineman ranked as the nation’s No. 1 at his position.
Yet, as signing day approached, whispers began to emerge. Thomas wasn’t looking for the biggest bag—he was looking for the best fit. And that’s when LSU came roaring into the picture.
The Jaw-Dropping Announcement
In a packed gymnasium with national media tuned in, Thomas stepped to the podium. On the table sat three hats: Notre Dame, Georgia, and LSU. The tension was unbearable. Analysts had already speculated that TCU was out, but no one knew where Thomas would land.
With cameras flashing, Thomas picked up the Georgia cap—paused—then dropped it. Gasps filled the room. He reached for Notre Dame’s… then shook his head.
Finally, he grabbed the LSU Tigers hat, pulled it over his head, and held up a jersey with his name on the back. The crowd erupted.
Why LSU?
“I could’ve taken the money,” Thomas admitted. “But I wanted more than that. I wanted to play in the SEC. I wanted to go where iron sharpens iron. And I wanted to win a national championship. LSU is the place to do that.”
Brian Kelly and his staff had orchestrated a masterclass recruitment, selling Thomas not just on the program’s legacy, but on the opportunity to develop into an elite NFL prospect. LSU has become a breeding ground for linemen who dominate at the next level, and Thomas wanted to be next in line.
The Fallout
TCU boosters were left stunned. Notre Dame and Georgia fans fumed on social media. How could a recruit turn down millions? But for LSU fans, this was nothing short of a historic win.
With Thomas in the trenches, the Tigers just landed a game-changer. And in a sport where money increasingly controls destiny, Soloman Thomas just proved that some players still choose legacy over dollars.
