Breaking News: ESPN Top 5-Star QB Sam Darnold Decommits From Minnesota Vikings, Chooses Missouri Tigers Over Texas and Florida
In a dramatic turn of events, five-star quarterback Sam Darnold has decommitted from the Minnesota Vikings and flipped his commitment to the Missouri Tigers. Darnold, one of the top high school quarterbacks in the nation, announced his decision after months of intense recruiting battles, with programs like Texas and Florida vying for his services. His decision to join Missouri has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, as the Tigers secured one of the most coveted quarterbacks in recent years.
Darnold, a 6’4”, 220-pound quarterback from San Clemente, California, has been on the radar of college football programs for years due to his impressive skill set. Known for his powerful arm, accuracy, and poise under pressure, Darnold was initially committed to Minnesota, where he had been courted by their coaching staff as the future of their offense. However, after visiting multiple campuses and reconsidering his options, Darnold made the decision to part ways with the Vikings and choose Missouri, a program that has seen a resurgence under head coach Eliah Drinkwitz.
“I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my future, and after talking to my family, I realized that Missouri is the place where I can truly grow both as a player and as a person,” Darnold said in his official statement. “Coach Drinkwitz and the staff have built something special here, and I’m excited to be a part of it. I know that I can make an impact on the field, and I’m ready to help take Missouri to the next level.”
Darnold’s flip to Missouri represents a huge win for the Tigers, who have made significant strides in recent years under Drinkwitz’s leadership. The Tigers are coming off a successful season and are building momentum with a strong recruiting class. Landing Darnold, a top-five recruit in the 2025 class, could be the catalyst for Missouri’s future success. With Darnold under center, the Tigers now have a legitimate shot at competing for the SEC East and a potential College Football Playoff berth in the coming years.
The decision also marks a major setback for both Texas and Florida, who had been considered strong contenders for Darnold’s commitment. Texas, with its storied history and elite recruiting resources, had been pushing hard to bring Darnold into their fold, while Florida had also made significant strides in the recruiting race. Despite their efforts, Darnold ultimately chose Missouri, signaling a shift in the college football landscape as the Tigers continue to establish themselves as a powerhouse.
For Missouri, Darnold’s commitment is more than just the addition of a five-star quarterback—it’s a statement that the Tigers are ready to compete with the elite programs in college football. Drinkwitz and his staff are building a program that not only attracts top talent but also develops players into future stars. Darnold’s decision to commit to Missouri also sends a message to other top recruits that the Tigers are a force to be reckoned with.
“Sam Darnold is a special talent, and we are thrilled to have him join the Missouri Tigers,” said Coach Drinkwitz. “We believe he has the ability to elevate our program to new heights, and we are committed to helping him achieve his full potential.”
As Darnold embarks on his journey with Missouri, the college football world will be watching closely. His commitment to the Tigers could be the beginning of a new era in Columbia, with the Tigers now positioned to challenge the elite programs in the SEC and beyond. For Darnold, Missouri represents the ideal place to develop into one of the top quarterbacks in the country and lead his team to greatness.
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