WACO, TX – April 19, 2025 – In a stunning display of loyalty, Baylor Bears freshman quarterback Walker White has reportedly turned down a lucrative $68 million contract offer from the Michigan Wolverines. The news, which broke late Friday evening, has sent shockwaves through the college football world, highlighting the young player’s commitment to the Baylor program.
Sources close to White indicate that the offer from Michigan, a perennial national championship contender, would have included a significant name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal, potentially totaling $68 million over a multi-year period. Such figures are becoming increasingly common in the era of NIL, but it is exceptionally rare for a player who has yet to establish himself as a consistent starter to command such a high value.
Despite the life-changing financial implications of the offer, White has reportedly chosen to remain in Waco, Texas, and continue his development with the Baylor Bears. In a statement attributed to White, he emphasized his dedication to the program, saying, “My loyalty lies with the Bears. I believe in what Coach Aranda is building here, and I’m committed to my teammates and the Baylor community.”
White, a highly-touted recruit from Little Rock Christian Academy, initially committed to Auburn before transferring to Baylor in December 2024. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound quarterback was a four-star prospect in the 2024 class and was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. He saw limited action in his freshman season at Auburn before deciding to enter the transfer portal.
His arrival at Baylor was seen as a significant boost to the Bears’ quarterback room, joining a talented group that includes Sawyer Robertson. While Robertson is expected to be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, White’s potential and long-term future with the program were viewed with considerable optimism by Baylor fans and coaches alike.
The decision to turn down such a substantial financial offer underscores a growing trend of players prioritizing program stability, coaching relationships, and team culture over immediate monetary gains. In an era where the transfer portal allows for greater player movement and NIL provides significant financial incentives, White’s commitment to Baylor stands out as a testament to his belief in the program’s direction.
Baylor head coach Dave Aranda has consistently emphasized building a strong culture within the team, and White’s decision could be seen as validation of that approach. It sends a powerful message about the values being instilled in the program and the loyalty that exists among the players.
While the specifics of the contract offer from Michigan remain undisclosed, it is likely that the Wolverines, who have been aggressive in utilizing the transfer portal and NIL to bolster their roster, identified White as a potential future star. Their interest speaks volumes about the talent and potential that White possesses.
However, for now, Walker White will continue to wear the green and gold of the Baylor Bears. His decision is a significant win for the program and its fans, demonstrating that sometimes, loyalty and belief in a vision can outweigh even the most substantial financial incentives. As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Baylor faithful will undoubtedly be even more enthusiastic about the future with White firmly committed to the Bears.
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