Five-Star Quarterback Stuns Washington Commanders by Choosing Ohio State Over Nebraska and Alabama State and Decommitting: A Game-Changing Move

In a world where college football recruiting has become a year-round spectacle, few decisions hold as much weight as those made by five-star prospects. These are the athletes who have been courted by the most prestigious college programs, and their decisions can significantly impact the landscape of the sport. This is precisely the case with one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, who recently made waves in the football community with a stunning commitment decision: after initially pledging to the Washington Commanders, he shocked everyone by choosing Ohio State over Nebraska and Alabama State, only to decommit shortly thereafter. This twist has sent shockwaves through the world of college and professional football alike.

The Build-Up: A Highly-Coveted Prospect

The recruit in question is none other than the highly-touted, five-star quarterback, Max Jackson, a 6’4″, 220-pound gunslinger from the state of Georgia. Jackson’s meteoric rise began in his sophomore year of high school, where he displayed an extraordinary ability to read defenses and make pinpoint throws from all areas of the field. By the time he was entering his junior year, Jackson was already on the radar of every major college football program in the country. His blend of size, arm strength, mobility, and football IQ made him a perfect fit for the fast-paced, high-octane offenses run by top-tier programs.

As Jackson’s recruitment gained steam, so did the intensity surrounding his decision. Every major football program in the country wanted him—schools like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and USC. But in the end, it seemed that three programs stood out above the rest: the Washington Commanders, Ohio State, and Nebraska.

Washington Commanders’ Bold Push

In an unexpected move, the Washington Commanders—an NFL team—entered the mix for Jackson’s services. Washington’s decision to pursue Jackson was somewhat surprising, given that the NFL draft and its college draft structure make such recruitment unusual. However, the Commanders had their reasons. With quarterback play being inconsistent in Washington for years, the team viewed Jackson as the future of their franchise. Washington’s head coach, Ron Rivera, a veteran of NFL coaching and a proven quarterback developer, saw immense potential in Jackson and was convinced that his athleticism and mental toughness could be developed into elite NFL skills.

At the time, the Commanders were looking for a player who could serve as both a leader and a symbol of hope for the franchise’s future. Jackson fit this role perfectly, combining physical tools with a reputation for being a driven, high-character individual. Moreover, the Commanders offered Jackson a direct route to the NFL, skipping the traditional collegiate route in favor of preparing him for a future under center in the professional ranks. This proposal was unlike any other college recruitment pitch, and it led Jackson to make a highly-anticipated commitment to Washington in the spring of 2024.

However, Jackson’s commitment to Washington was not without its controversy. Critics of the decision pointed out that it was a risky move for both Jackson and the Commanders, given that most NFL teams prefer quarterbacks to go through the college system for development. The absence of collegiate experience would leave Jackson with a steep learning curve once he entered the NFL. Nevertheless, Jackson appeared confident in his choice, and his commitment to Washington was hailed as a bold and progressive move in the world of football.

The Ohio State Factor: A Historic Program Calls

Just as Washington began preparing for the arrival of its potential savior, Ohio State University, one of college football’s most storied programs, made a late push to sway Jackson’s decision. Ohio State’s success in recruiting and player development has been unmatched for decades, and their program’s ability to churn out NFL quarterbacks was a significant selling point for Jackson.

Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has developed a reputation for being one of the premier schools for quarterbacks, with recent alumni like Justin Fields and CJ Stroud setting the stage for future success. Day’s system, which prioritizes a dynamic, pass-heavy offense, would allow Jackson to showcase his skills and refine his craft in a way that would help him transition to the NFL with ease. Furthermore, Ohio State has a history of developing quarterbacks into first-round picks, and this would have been an attractive proposition for Jackson.

While Jackson had already committed to Washington, the recruiting process was far from over. Ohio State’s persistence paid off when they made a personal visit to Jackson’s high school in Georgia. After hours of meetings with Jackson, his family, and coaches, the Buckeyes extended an offer that was nearly impossible to ignore. The prospect of playing for a national powerhouse, in a system tailor-made for his abilities, was a powerful pull.

The Ohio State visit marked a turning point in Jackson’s recruitment. He began questioning his decision to go pro straight out of high school and started entertaining the idea of developing his craft at the college level. A few weeks after his official visit, Jackson announced that he would decommit from Washington and flip his pledge to Ohio State, sending shockwaves through the football world. It was a stunning reversal that would have far-reaching implications for both the Commanders and Ohio State.

Nebraska and Alabama State: The Underdogs

While Ohio State emerged as the front-runner in Jackson’s recruitment, two other schools had quietly worked behind the scenes to court him: Nebraska and Alabama State. While neither of these schools could offer Jackson the same level of national recognition as Ohio State, they each presented unique opportunities.

Nebraska, under head coach Matt Rhule, had been rebuilding its program for several years. Rhule, a proven coach known for turning struggling programs around, saw Jackson as the centerpiece of Nebraska’s future. Jackson would be the face of a resurgence in Cornhuskers football, and Rhule was prepared to go all-in on his recruitment, offering Jackson a chance to make history by leading Nebraska back to national prominence. For Jackson, the appeal of being the player who brought Nebraska back to its former glory was undeniable.

Alabama State, on the other hand, offered Jackson an entirely different proposition. As an historically black college, Alabama State represented an opportunity to make a statement both on and off the field. Jackson had always expressed a desire to be a trailblazer, and Alabama State offered him the chance to be a star in an HBCU program with a storied history. The idea of playing for an underdog team that could offer him a unique platform in the spotlight was attractive to Jackson on a personal level.

Though both schools made impressive pitches, Jackson ultimately chose Ohio State, leaving Nebraska and Alabama State to regroup and move forward without their coveted star recruit.

Decommitment and Its Aftermath

Jackson’s decision to decommit from Washington and commit to Ohio State was met with widespread praise, but it also left a few questions unanswered. The most pressing of these was how the Washington Commanders would adjust to losing their quarterback of the future. Head coach Ron Rivera expressed disappointment over the change but reiterated that the team would continue to focus on their long-term plans, even without Jackson.

For Ohio State, the commitment was a massive win, but it also raised expectations. Jackson’s decision immediately elevated the Buckeyes’ position in the race for the national championship. Fans, analysts, and recruiting experts began circling Ohio State as one of the top contenders for the 2024 season, and Jackson’s presence was a central factor in those discussions.

As for Nebraska and Alabama State, both programs were forced to pivot in their recruiting efforts. While Jackson’s decommitment hurt their chances, they each still had strong recruiting classes, and they both recognized the importance of staying true to their missions.

In the coming weeks, Jackson’s decision will continue to reverberate throughout the college football landscape. The drama surrounding his recruitment and decommitment from Washington has captivated fans and analysts alike, and many will be watching his development at Ohio State with bated breath. As for Jackson, he now finds himself in an enviable position: with the chance to lead one of college football’s most prestigious programs while continuing to shape his future in the NFL.