In one of the most shocking moves of the 2025 college football recruiting cycle, 5-star quarterback Therrian Alexander has decommitted from Brigham Young University (BYU) and announced that he will be bypassing college football altogether to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders. The news sent shockwaves through the college football community, as Alexander, one of the most highly coveted quarterbacks in recent memory, was expected to be a key recruit for several major programs, including Penn State, Alabama, and Michigan, among others.
The Unpredictable Decision
Therrian Alexander, hailing from a small town in Texas, had long been regarded as one of the top high school quarterbacks in the nation. Known for his incredible arm strength, mobility, and football IQ, Alexander quickly rose through the ranks of high school football to become a five-star recruit and the No. 1 quarterback in the country. His commitment to BYU in 2024 was considered a huge coup for the Cougars, a program that had historically struggled to land such high-profile talent.
However, the sudden change in direction has stunned everyone, including fans, coaches, and analysts alike. His decision to decommit from BYU and choose the NFL over college football has sparked intense debates about the future of recruiting, the evolving landscape of player development, and the increasing influence of professional football on the recruiting process.
The Road to the Raiders
It’s rare for high school players, especially those of Alexander’s caliber, to bypass college football and enter the NFL straight away. The NFL’s age eligibility rules have long required players to be at least three years removed from high school before they can enter the draft, but Alexander’s decision has a unique twist. He has decided to skip the traditional route entirely and sign with an NFL team’s developmental program, with the intent of joining the Raiders’ practice squad or an NFL-affiliated program designed for players like him who are ready to step into professional football.
Alexander’s decision follows a growing trend among elite high school athletes, especially in sports like basketball and football, who are increasingly looking for alternative pathways to professional careers. With the rise of the “G League” in basketball and other development-focused leagues, NFL teams are now exploring opportunities for top prospects to develop outside of the traditional college football structure. The Raiders, in particular, have shown a willingness to innovate in their approach to player development, making them an ideal landing spot for a player like Alexander.
Why the Raiders?
The Las Vegas Raiders have made a concerted effort in recent years to build a reputation as a progressive and forward-thinking franchise. They have been at the forefront of embracing new strategies for scouting, player development, and the use of analytics in decision-making. Head coach Josh McDaniels, who took over the Raiders in 2022, has been particularly open to unconventional approaches when it comes to assembling a team.
When asked why he chose the Raiders over other professional teams and college programs, Alexander explained, “The Raiders offer something no other team can. They have a vision for my future that goes beyond just playing games. It’s about growing as a player and as a person. I see the same potential in the Raiders that I saw in myself when I first started playing this game. They’re building something special, and I want to be a part of it.”
The Raiders have been quick to respond, with McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler praising Alexander’s decision. “Therrian is a special talent, and we’re excited to bring him into our organization,” McDaniels said in a statement. “We believe in his abilities, and we’re committed to helping him grow as both a player and an individual. This is a big win for our team and for the future of football development.”
The College Football Impact
The most immediate reaction to Alexander’s decision has come from the college football community, where it’s been met with a mix of disbelief, concern, and fascination. The news is particularly concerning for BYU, where fans and coaches are reeling from the loss of a player who was expected to be the face of the program for years to come.
“We are obviously disappointed by Therrian’s decision,” said BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. “He was an important part of our plans moving forward, but we respect his decision and wish him nothing but success. We will continue to recruit top-tier talent, and our program will remain focused on building something special here at BYU.”
While BYU may have lost out on one of the biggest recruits in program history, it’s also a wake-up call for other college football programs. Alexander’s decision could signal the beginning of a new era in recruitment, where elite prospects weigh the pros and cons of college football versus professional development programs. As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, with NIL deals, transfer portals, and now, even professional opportunities becoming more appealing, recruits like Alexander may become more commonplace in future recruiting cycles.
Penn State’s Near Miss
Among the many teams that pursued Alexander, perhaps no one feels the sting more than Penn State. The Nittany Lions, led by head coach James Franklin, were in the thick of the battle for Alexander’s commitment and had reportedly been one of his top choices. Many analysts had speculated that Alexander would end up in Happy Valley, given the program’s strong recent success and tradition of developing top quarterbacks. Penn State fans had been eagerly awaiting Alexander’s commitment, only to be blindsided by his decision to go pro.
Franklin addressed the loss in a brief but respectful statement: “We wish Therrian the best of luck in his future endeavors. We’re proud of the program we’ve built at Penn State, and we remain committed to recruiting the best talent in the nation. We’ll continue to develop quarterbacks and build on our success.”
The Bigger Picture
Therrian Alexander’s decision is part of a broader shift in the world of sports, where athletes are increasingly taking control of their careers at younger ages. The trend of skipping college altogether to pursue professional opportunities has already made waves in basketball, where players like LeBron James and Zion Williamson have made headlines for their early entry into the NBA. Now, football may be following suit, with top quarterbacks like Alexander leading the charge.
As the dust settles from this stunning announcement, one thing is clear: Therrian Alexander’s decision to bypass college football and choose the Las Vegas Raiders will have a lasting impact on the future of recruitment in the sport. Whether other top-tier prospects follow suit remains to be seen, but for now, the college football world is left to adjust to a new reality—one in which the path to the pros is no longer strictly defined by a four-year college career.
For Alexander, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter. For the college football world, it may be a glimpse into the future.
Leave a Reply