JUST IN: Few Hours Ago Five-Star QB Behren Morton Shocks College Football, Rejects Jaw-Dropping $7.7 Million NIL Offer from Georgia, Oklahoma to Stay with the Raiders: “I Have No Plans Beyond Texas Tech”
In a stunning twist that sent ripples across the college football landscape, Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton has reportedly turned down a record-breaking $7.7 million NIL package offered by powerhouse programs Georgia and Oklahoma. The decision, which came just hours ago, has become one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 college football season — a rare instance where loyalty triumphed over money in a sport increasingly shaped by the Name, Image, and Likeness era.
According to multiple insider reports, Morton received formal NIL pitches from both Georgia and Oklahoma within the last two weeks. Both programs, hungry for a top-tier quarterback to anchor their playoff ambitions next season, saw Morton as the missing piece. Georgia’s offer reportedly included a combination of national brand endorsements and exclusive partnership deals through the school’s marketing arm. Oklahoma’s package, meanwhile, was built around a consortium of boosters promising lucrative endorsement opportunities and personal appearance fees.
But in a move that stunned fans, analysts, and fellow athletes, Morton informed Texas Tech’s staff early this morning that he’s staying in Lubbock — no matter what comes next.
This decision could go down as one of the defining moments of the NIL era, a time when college football has seen an unprecedented flow of money and talent between programs. The news comes just as the Red Raiders, under head coach Joey McGuire, are finally beginning to solidify their identity as a dark-horse contender in the Big 12. McGuire, who has built a program on culture, grit, and player development rather than financial flash, now has the ultimate example of what he’s been preaching for the last three years — that some things can’t be bought.
Morton, a former five-star recruit out of Eastland, Texas, was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in his class. His decision to commit to Texas Tech over major SEC and Big Ten schools already raised eyebrows. Many believed his time in Lubbock would serve as a stepping stone before transferring to a national powerhouse. Instead, he has grown into one of the nation’s most consistent passers, combining sharp accuracy with an uncanny ability to read defenses. Under McGuire’s offensive system, Morton has elevated his game each season, leading the Raiders to back-to-back bowl appearances and a 9–3 record this year — their best since the Patrick Mahomes era.
For a player like Morton, the NIL offers represented more than just money. They were validation of his elite status — the kind of validation that convinces most athletes to chase brighter lights. Yet Morton’s choice suggests that for him, college football still means more than the financial windfall. Staying at Texas Tech, where he has built chemistry with his teammates and earned the adoration of the fanbase, shows a level of commitment that has become increasingly rare in modern college athletics.
Sources close to the program say that McGuire’s leadership played a huge role in Morton’s decision. The coach’s long-term vision for the Red Raiders — built around player loyalty, homegrown talent, and community connection — reportedly resonated deeply with the young quarterback. It’s no secret that McGuire and Morton share a strong bond, one that goes beyond football. Insiders describe their relationship as that of a coach and player who truly trust one another, which may have made Morton’s decision to stay far easier than outsiders assume.
The impact of this move could extend far beyond Lubbock. Morton’s decision may serve as a turning point for other athletes facing similar dilemmas in the NIL-driven college football world. With players now able to earn millions through sponsorships, most are chasing the highest offer. Morton’s stance, however, sends a powerful message — that a legacy built through loyalty and purpose can outshine the biggest paycheck.
Fans have already begun flooding social media with praise, calling Morton a “throwback” to the days when players stayed loyal to their programs. Many Texas Tech supporters see this as a moment of rebirth for the school — a reminder that it can still stand tall in a landscape dominated by financial giants. For Georgia and Oklahoma, however, this represents a rare miss. Both programs, known for their aggressive recruiting and NIL strategies, will now have to pivot quickly as they search for their next quarterback.
Morton’s decision could also carry significant on-field implications. The Raiders, who are returning most of their offensive line and key receivers next season, are expected to enter 2026 as legitimate contenders for the Big 12 title. With Morton leading the charge, Texas Tech could make its first serious push for the College Football Playoff — something that once seemed far-fetched for the program.
Observers believe that this story will dominate sports headlines in the coming days, not just because of the money involved, but because of what it represents. In an era when players are often criticized for chasing NIL deals, Morton’s commitment to Texas Tech stands as a counter-narrative — one built on integrity, belief, and the desire to build something lasting in West Texas.
Whether or not Texas Tech can capitalize on this momentum remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Behren Morton’s decision has already rewritten the conversation about loyalty in college football. In choosing Lubbock over millions, he hasn’t just changed his own story — he’s reminded fans everywhere what makes the sport truly special.
For now, the Red Raiders have their star quarterback, their leader, and perhaps, their symbol of hope for the future. And while millions were on the table elsewhere, Morton made it clear that some dreams are worth more than money — and that his dreams, for now, begin and end at Texas Tech.
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