No. 1 Player in America Commits to Ole Miss Rebels, Signs Record-Breaking $90.5 Million Deal Over SEC Powerhouses
OXFORD, Miss. — June 13, 2025
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, the No. 1 ranked high school football player in America, quarterback Jalen “J.T.” Thompson, has officially committed to the Ole Miss Rebels, turning down offers from several traditional SEC powerhouses. The announcement came early Friday morning, accompanied by news of a staggering $90.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement — the largest NIL deal in college athletics history.
Thompson, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback out of Buford High School in Georgia, is widely regarded as a generational talent. With a cannon for an arm, elite speed, and field vision that has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and Michael Vick, Thompson led Buford to back-to-back state championships and a national title during his junior year. He was courted heavily by the likes of Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas, but stunned analysts and fans alike by choosing Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss program.
“I’ve always believed in carving my own path,” Thompson said during a live-streamed press conference. “Coach Kiffin believed in me from day one, and the vision he has for this team — for me — is something I couldn’t turn down. We’re going to do something special at Ole Miss.”
The $90.5 million NIL deal was brokered through a consortium of sponsors, boosters, and national brands aligned with Ole Miss, including a seven-figure marketing campaign with a major athletic apparel company and exclusive media rights tied to a forthcoming documentary series. The structure of the deal includes endorsements, equity stakes in start-ups, performance bonuses, and an academic completion clause, making it not just the richest but also one of the most sophisticated NIL packages seen to date.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Thompson’s team turned down more than $120 million in combined offers from Alabama and Georgia, electing instead to be the face of a rising Ole Miss program. The deal is expected to reset the market for elite recruits nationwide.
“This isn’t just about money — it’s about leadership, legacy, and development,” said Thompson’s agent, Marcus Braxton of Apex Sports Management. “Jalen saw an opportunity to build something unique at Ole Miss and become a household name not just in college football, but in American sports culture.”
Lane Kiffin, known for his offensive ingenuity and player development, was visibly emotional during a press conference following the commitment. “This is a program-defining moment,” he said. “Jalen is the type of player who changes the narrative. We’re not just here to compete in the SEC — we’re here to dominate.”
The commitment instantly vaulted Ole Miss’ 2025 recruiting class to the No. 1 spot nationally, with multiple four- and five-star recruits reportedly reconsidering their options in light of Thompson’s decision. Already, two top-50 wide receivers have scheduled official visits to Oxford next week.
The broader implications of the deal have reignited the debate over the NIL era in college sports. Critics argue that escalating deals like Thompson’s create an uneven playing field and prioritize profit over amateur athletics, while advocates contend it reflects the true value elite athletes bring to programs and communities.
“College football has changed forever,” said Paul Finebaum, SEC Network analyst. “This isn’t just about Ole Miss getting a top recruit — this is about a seismic shift in recruiting power. When a player like Thompson turns down Alabama money to go to Oxford, you know the old order is being disrupted.”
Thompson is expected to enroll early at Ole Miss in January 2026, giving him a full offseason to integrate into Kiffin’s offense. Though he remains focused on his senior high school season, Thompson hinted at plans to begin training with Ole Miss staff this summer.
“I’m ready to get to work,” Thompson said. “We’ve got goals — SEC Championships, National Championships — and we’re coming for it all.”
With one decision, J.T. Thompson has not only reshaped Ole Miss football but redefined what’s possible for college athletes. As college football heads into a new era, all eyes will be on Oxford.
