College Football Shockwave: Five-Star Phenom Ethan “The Comet” Carter Stuns Nation by Rejecting $6.7M NIL Offer from WVU to Commit to Tennessee
Knoxville, TN — May 7, 2025
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, five-star quarterback phenom Ethan “The Comet” Carter has announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee—turning down a reported $6.7 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from West Virginia University.
The decision, which Carter described as “a choice for loyalty, tradition, and long-term vision,” instantly vaulted Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class into elite national territory and may mark a turning point in how top prospects weigh financial incentives against personal values.
A Commitment That Defied Expectations
Carter, the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to multiple recruiting services, made his announcement via a live stream from his high school in Houston, Texas. While speculation had been swirling for weeks about a lucrative NIL package from West Virginia that could rival or exceed any deal ever offered to a high school recruit, Carter instead chose Knoxville.
“I respect the opportunities being offered to athletes today,” Carter said during his announcement. “But for me, it’s about more than just money. It’s about building a legacy, being part of a culture that means something, and trusting the people who believed in me first. Tennessee felt like home from day one.”
Tennessee’s Stock Soars
The commitment is a massive win for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, who has been steadily rebuilding the program into a perennial SEC contender. With Carter now the face of the Vols’ 2025 class, recruiting insiders say Tennessee has positioned itself as a top-3 class nationally.
“This is a monumental moment for Tennessee football,” said 247Sports analyst Greg Biggins. “Carter is not just a generational quarterback talent—he’s a culture-setter. His choice sends a message to other recruits that there’s value in tradition, in loyalty, in something bigger than a check.”
NIL Era Gets a Reality Check?
Carter’s decision is already sparking a broader debate across the college football landscape. In an era dominated by seven-figure NIL deals and aggressive recruiting pitches, his rejection of a nearly $7 million offer in favor of a more traditional program commitment is being hailed as a watershed moment.
“Ethan Carter just reminded us that not every player is for sale,” said ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “That’s not a knock on NIL. But when a kid turns down that kind of money to follow his heart and his vision, it changes the conversation.”
Fans and Coaches React
Social media erupted following Carter’s announcement, with hashtags like #CometToKnoxville and #VolsLandedEthan trending within hours. Tennessee fans flooded message boards and Twitter with excitement, while West Virginia supporters expressed shock and disbelief.
Even rival coaches took notice.
“That kid’s got maturity beyond his years,” said one anonymous SEC assistant. “He just became the face of something bigger than himself.”
What’s Next?
Carter plans to enroll early at Tennessee in January 2025. He’ll join an already promising quarterback room and is expected to compete for the starting job as a true freshman.
For now, though, his decision is reverberating far beyond the field.
