In a move that’s being called the most shocking recruiting twist of the decade, 5-star quarterback phenom Tyrese Walker has rejected an $88.1 million NIL offer, decommitted from Texas, and flipped his commitment to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, choosing them over blue-blood programs like Alabama and Ohio State.
The decision stunned recruiting insiders, sent shockwaves through social media, and has Husker fans rejoicing nationwide.
> “I’m coming to Lincoln to build something special. It’s not about the money. It’s about legacy,” Walker said during an exclusive interview with HuskerInsider.com.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound dual-threat quarterback from Houston, Texas, had been committed to the Longhorns since August 2024. Ranked as the No. 1 QB in the 2025 class by multiple recruiting services, Walker had drawn comparisons to both Cam Newton and Patrick Mahomes due to his elite arm talent and ability to make magic happen with his legs.
Recruiting insiders believed Walker was a lock for Texas—or, if he flipped, that Alabama or Ohio State would land him thanks to their NIL infrastructure and national brand. But instead, Walker shocked the college football world by choosing a resurgent Nebraska program led by head coach Matt Rhule.
> “Coach Rhule’s vision for Nebraska isn’t just talk,” Walker said. “It’s real. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it. And I want to be part of it.”
Sources close to the recruitment say Walker turned down an estimated $88.1 million in combined NIL incentives that had been structured across three top-tier programs. Instead, he opted to join a team whose focus, in his words, “matched his passion for the game.”
Why Nebraska?
The Cornhuskers have been on an upward trajectory since Rhule took over in 2023, overhauling the culture, building a relentless defense, and landing a string of key offensive recruits. With Walker now in the fold, Nebraska suddenly finds itself in the national conversation for the 2026 College Football Playoff.
Nebraska’s 2025 recruiting class is now projected to jump into the Top 5 nationally, and Walker becomes the highest-rated quarterback to ever sign with the Huskers.
> “This is the kind of player that changes everything,” said college football analyst Marcus Spears on ESPN’s Recruiting Live. “Walker is a program-changer, and this flips the power balance in college football.”
Husker Nation exploded on social media following the announcement, with Walker’s commitment video—featuring him in full red and white gear, walking through Memorial Stadium—surpassing 5 million views within two hours.
And while NIL was not Walker’s priority, insiders say Nebraska’s evolving collective is poised to support him in ways that align with his values—emphasizing development, long-term brand building, and community impact over short-term cash grabs.
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Conclusion
Tyrese Walker’s commitment and Jordy Bahl’s MVP award mark a new era in Nebraska athletics. With stars on both the field and the mound, the Cornhuskers are no longer just contenders—they are rapidly becoming a destination for elite talent and bold leadership