SHOCKING MOVE: AUBURN TIGERS LAND A NEW 5-YEAR DEAL WITH JALEN CROSS WORTH…See More…

SHOCKING MOVE: AUBURN TIGERS LAND A NEW 5-YEAR DEAL WITH JALEN CROSS WORTH…See More…

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of college football, the Auburn Tigers have inked a jaw-dropping 5-year NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) partnership deal worth $28 million with five-star quarterback recruit Jalen Cross, making it one of the most lucrative agreements in college sports history.

Cross, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback from Los Angeles, California, is ranked as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class. Known for his elite arm strength, poise under pressure, and athletic mobility, Cross was being heavily pursued by several powerhouse programs including USC, Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. But in a dramatic twist, he has chosen to take his talents to Auburn.

Game-Changing Deal

The monumental deal was negotiated in collaboration with Auburn’s NIL collective, “Tiger Impact,” and includes multi-platform marketing campaigns, branded merchandise, streaming content, and appearances with corporate partners. Cross is expected to serve as the face of several high-profile national and regional brands.

According to sources close to the deal, the contract includes performance-based incentives, a personal content studio, and a custom NIL mentorship program designed to help him grow as a brand entrepreneur while maintaining his on-field focus.

This five-year agreement will span his entire collegiate career, or until he declares for the NFL Draft, and has instantly made Auburn one of the most talked-about programs in the country.

Auburn’s Big Bet

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze, in a press conference this morning, called the signing “a new era for Auburn football.”

“We’re not just building a team—we’re building a legacy,” Freeze said. “Jalen Cross isn’t just a special athlete, he’s a leader, a competitor, and someone who understands the magnitude of what this program stands for. This commitment is not just about football—it’s about Auburn’s future.”

This signing marks a major coup for Freeze and his coaching staff, who have been under pressure to revitalize a program that has seen mixed results in recent seasons. Bringing in a generational talent like Cross could be the turning point.

Cross Speaks Out

Speaking to reporters via video call, Cross expressed excitement and confidence about his decision.

“I chose Auburn because they believed in me not just as a quarterback, but as a person,” he said. “I want to win championships, but I also want to be part of something bigger—building a brand, inspiring kids, and setting a standard. Auburn gave me that vision.”

He also noted that while NIL opportunities played a role in his decision, his focus remains on football.

“None of this matters if I don’t perform on the field. I’m coming to Auburn to compete, to lead, and to win.”

National Reactions

The announcement has dominated headlines across sports networks, with analysts describing it as a “watershed moment” in the NIL era. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum called it “a seismic recruiting win that redefines how SEC schools must operate in the NIL landscape.”

Critics, however, argue that such large NIL deals could shift the balance of college football further in favor of deep-pocketed programs and diminish parity.

Still, Auburn fans are ecstatic. Within hours of the news, ticket inquiries for the 2025 season surged, and social media was flooded with highlight reels, fan edits, and messages welcoming Cross to The Plains.

What’s Next

Jalen Cross is expected to enroll early and participate in Auburn’s 2025 spring football camp. With returning starters and a fresh wave of talented recruits, the Tigers’ offense could be poised for a major breakout.

Meanwhile, other programs will be watching closely—not just for Cross’s performance, but to see how Auburn’s bold NIL strategy plays out on and off the field.

Whether or not it brings titles, one thing is clear: Auburn just changed the game.