**Breaking News: 5-Star Power Forward Stuns College Basketball World by Rejecting \$8.7 Million, Decommits from Michigan Wolverines and Flips Commitment to LSU Tigers Over Powerhouses Alabama and Florida State**
*May 2, 2025 — College basketball is reeling after one of the most stunning recruiting twists in recent memory. In a move that’s sending shockwaves across the NCAA landscape, 5-star power forward Malik Reynolds has officially decommitted from the Michigan Wolverines and announced his commitment to the LSU Tigers—rejecting a reported \$8.7 million in NIL offers from rival schools, including Alabama and Florida State.*
Reynolds, a 6-foot-10 phenom out of Oak Hill Academy, had been considered a cornerstone of Michigan’s incoming class. Ranked No. 3 overall in the Class of 2025 by multiple scouting outlets, Reynolds was expected to bring elite size, agility, and scoring to Juwan Howard’s program. But with rumors swirling over recent weeks, today’s official announcement has confirmed what insiders had feared: Michigan is out, and LSU is in.
**“It’s not all about money,” Reynolds said in a statement released via social media. “I want to build something where I feel I’m truly valued as a person and player. LSU gave me that.”**
The bold move comes despite intense pressure from top programs. Alabama was reportedly in line with a massive NIL package valued at over \$5 million, while Florida State was close behind. Michigan, too, was believed to have put together an aggressive offer totaling \$8.7 million over three years. But in a rare decision in the current NIL era, Reynolds has chosen what he described as “culture over cash.”
LSU head coach Matt McMahon, who’s quietly building a competitive SEC force, celebrated the win in a press conference. “Malik is the kind of young man who transforms programs,” McMahon said. “His decision speaks volumes about the character and vision he’s bringing to Baton Rouge.”
**Industry Impact**
Reynolds’ flip is already being compared to the likes of DeAndre Ayton and Zion Williamson’s recruiting shocks, but the added layer of rejecting such a lucrative NIL offer adds a new dimension. In an era increasingly defined by financial incentives, Reynolds’ choice represents a rare moment where tradition, team environment, and personal values took precedence.
Analysts are now left to reassess the college basketball power map. LSU, previously considered a second-tier threat in the SEC, now gains instant credibility with Reynolds in the fold. Meanwhile, Michigan faces the immediate challenge of salvaging what was once a top-five recruiting class.
**What’s Next for Michigan?**
Sources indicate that Michigan is already pivoting to other targets, but replacing Reynolds will be no easy task. With the transfer portal as active as ever, the Wolverines may try to land a veteran forward to plug the gap. Still, losing a player of Reynolds’ caliber—especially under such circumstances—is a blow that may reverberate through the program for years.
As for Reynolds, his commitment to LSU isn’t just a recruiting victory—it’s a cultural statement in an era of transactional college athletics.
**“At the end of the day, I want to leave a legacy,” he said. “Not just a balance sheet.”*
Leave a Reply