DONE DEAL: 5-Star QB Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from Wake Forest, Flips Commitment to Nebraska Over Powerhouses Penn State, Tennessee and More…
In a move that’s sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, 5-star quarterback phenom Jalen Whitmore has officially decommitted from Wake Forest and announced his surprising commitment to Nebraska, stunning analysts and fans alike. The nation’s No. 2 dual-threat QB in the 2025 class had been firmly committed to Wake Forest since last fall, but after a whirlwind recruitment process in recent months, Whitmore pulled the trigger on a flip that no one saw coming.
“I’ve prayed about this, talked to my family, and I know this is the right move for me,” Whitmore posted on social media Wednesday morning. “Respect to Wake Forest and everything they’ve done for me, but I’m 100% committed to the University of Nebraska. Go Big Red!”
The commitment is a massive win for Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, who’s quietly been building serious momentum on the recruiting trail. Landing a top-tier quarterback like Whitmore—especially over programs like Penn State, Tennessee, and even a late push from Georgia—is a statement that Nebraska is ready to return to national prominence.
Whitmore, a 6’3”, 205-pound field general out of Alpharetta, Georgia, has dazzled scouts with his combination of arm talent, mobility, and football IQ. At last year’s Elite 11 camp, he turned heads with his deep-ball accuracy and poise under pressure, drawing comparisons to Lamar Jackson with a bit more polish as a passer. He threw for over 3,400 yards and rushed for another 900 last season, accounting for 47 total touchdowns.
What makes this flip so shocking isn’t just the prestige of the programs Nebraska beat out, but the fact that Wake Forest had been so deep in with Whitmore for nearly a year. His ties to the Demon Deacons coaching staff, especially QB coach Jason Beck, were seen as rock solid. But as the offseason unfolded, whispers started to grow louder about Whitmore wanting a bigger stage and a more dynamic offensive system.
Enter Nebraska.
Rhule and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield rolled out the red carpet on Whitmore’s visit earlier this month, reportedly walking him through a personalized offensive scheme and emphasizing his potential to be the centerpiece of a turnaround story. “Jalen’s the kind of quarterback that changes programs,” Rhule told 247Sports. “He’s a competitor, a leader, and most importantly, he believes in what we’re building here.”
Penn State and Tennessee were both in hot pursuit, with each program making compelling late offers. But ultimately, it was Nebraska’s vision—and Rhule’s persistence—that sealed the deal.
With Whitmore now locked in, Nebraska’s 2025 recruiting class jumps into the national top 10 and gives them their most highly-rated quarterback since the days of Tommie Frazier. For a fanbase starving for a return to glory, this commitment feels like a seismic shift.
