WATCH: Deion Sanders hilariously responds of speculation of pay-to-sign NIL deals
Deion Sanders pulled off one of the biggest National Signing Day surprises ever on Wednesday by flipping Travis Hunter to Jackson State. Hunter, a Five-Star Plus+ Suwanee (Ga.) Collins Hill athlete, had been committed to Florida State since March of 2020. He is the consensus top overall prospect in the 2022 class.
Following Hunter’s shocking decision, rumors began to swirl about a massive NIL deal with Barstool Sports that played a role in his decision to flip to Sanders and Jackson State. But Sanders joined ESPN radio on Thursday, where he adamantly and hilariously denied the idea of a $1.5 million payday for Hunter.
“We didn’t pay,” Sanders said of the rumors surrounding Hunter’s flip to Jackson State. “We ain’t got no money! A million and a half? I heard a million and a half and I heard Dave Portnoy from Barstool. That’s the biggest lie I’ve ever heard. You know what that is? That means we kicked your butt. We took what was ours and now you gotta make up an excuse. Ain’t nobody get no million and a half. I wouldn’t pay my son a million and a half. How am I gonna coach a guy making more than me?”
Hunter on the decision to flip from Florida State to Sanders, Jackson State
Playing for Sanders is something that Hunter simply couldn’t resist. In flipping to play for Sanders at Jackson State, Hunter has completely shaken up the national college football recruiting world. By opting to play for an HBCU, he is looking to make his mark on history.
“Florida State has always been a beacon for me,” Hunter said. “I grew up down there, that’s where my roots are, and I never doubted that I would play for the Seminoles. It’s a dream that is hard to let go of, but sometimes we are called to step into a bigger future than the one we imagined for ourselves. For me, that future is at Jackson State University.
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“Jerry Rice, Doug Williams, and of course the legend, JSU’s own Walter Payton — Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a rich history in football. I want to be part of that history, and more, I want to be part of that future. I am making this decision so that I can light the way for others to follow, make it a little easier for the next player to recognize that HBCU’s may be everything you want and more: an exciting college experience, a vital community, and a life-changing place to play football.”
Hunter undoubtedly is looking to pave the way for a major change to college football. He is excited to be making that change alongside Sanders at Jackson State.
“I look forward to working with the iconic Deion Sanders, and especially with my fellow Tigers,” Hunter continued. “Along with Coach Prime, they have made me feel like I’m already part of the team. Like I’m home. And I can’t wait to welcome the next class of top athletes into the family of HBCU’s.”