Travis Hunter, the nation’s No. 1 recruit, recently made an announcement that shook up the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

On Dec. 15, the Rivals.com player made the decision to commit to playing for historically Black Jackson State University over Florida State University, Yahoo Sports reports. 

Hunter made the announcement official with sporting Jackson State gear during his decision ceremony at his high school.

Prior to the unexpected signing move, the Georgia native was verbally committed to Florida State since March 2020. Now, Hunter will join football legend and Florida State alum Deion Sanders.

According to a Twitter post by Bean Invest, Hunter’s switch reportedly may have secured him a multi-million dollar deal.

Barstool NIL Deal

While it’s unclear whether they are true, rumors have been circulating about the five-star defensive back landing what’s said to be a seven-figure name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Barstool Sports and Penn National Gaming.

The day before national signing day, Sanders made an appearance on Barstool Sports’ “Unnecessary Roughness” football show. He told the show’s co-hosts that he was going to “shock the country.” The head coach did just that and the foreshadowing has fueled the NIL deal speculation.

The Historic Signing

Along with the reported multi-million dollar bag, Hunter joining Jackson State is a historic deal. He now leads as the first-ever five-star football recruit to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

As Hunter embarks on his new commitment, his dream is to be a part of the history that comes with HBCU culture.

“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 a part of that future,” Hunter wrote via Twitter.

He continued: “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 HBCUs may be everything and more.”

Deion Sanders' Leadership

Under the guidance of his new head coach, Hunter is on his way to fulfilling his dream of blazing his own path in HBCU football history.

As the leader of the Jackson State Tigers, Sanders has held an impressive track record of bringing in star players including his son Shedeur Sanders — who was the highest-ranked commit Jackson State signed prior to Hunter.