ESPN REPORT: WELCOME TO BRONCO — Nation’s No. 1 Player, 7-Foot-9 Phenom, Shocks College Football World by Flipping Commitment to Boise State
By ESPN Recruiting Insider | May 30, 2025
Boise, ID — In one of the most jaw-dropping recruiting twists in college football history, the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect — a 7-foot-9, 410-pound multi-sport sensation known simply as “Titan” Jones — has flipped his commitment from Alabama to Boise State, stunning recruiters and fans across the country.
The Idaho-based program, long seen as an underdog in the Power Five era, pulled off the unthinkable by landing the towering talent, who had also been courted heavily by bluebloods like North Carolina, Minnesota, and Ohio State.
> “Boise just felt like home,” said Jones in a nationally televised interview. “They believed in me before I went viral. They treated me like family, not just a freak athlete.”
A New Era for the Broncos
Jones, who plays both offensive tackle and tight end (and has shockingly soft hands for his size), has broken every physical metric at every camp he’s attended. Clocking a 4.87-second 40-yard dash and bench-pressing 225 pounds 51 times, he’s already drawn comparisons to a combination of Rob Gronkowski, Orlando Pace, and, oddly enough, Yao Ming.
Boise State head coach Andy Avalos called it a “program-defining moment”:
> “This isn’t just a big day for Boise State — it’s a big day for college football. We’re building something special, and Titan is at the heart of it.”
Titan Mania Begins
Nicknamed “The Monolith,” Jones has already become a social media sensation, with millions of followers and a growing NIL portfolio that includes deals with everything from Gatorade to custom mattress companies.
Even Alabama head coach Nick Saban (now in a special advisor role) was reportedly “stunned” by the decision. A source within the Crimson Tide program said the staff was “completely blindsided.”
What This Means
Analysts say this commitment could trigger a recruiting wave for Boise State, long known for punching above its weight. Jackson’s presence, both literally and figuratively, may signal a new era for the Mountain West powerhouse.
> “Boise State just went from a respected mid-major to a legitimate CFP dark horse,” said ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill. “You don’t get players like this. Ever.”
Jackson is expected to enroll early and may even play both sides of the ball — and basketball — for the Broncos.
As he walked off the stage wearing a custom Boise State cowboy hat and blazer, he looked into the camera and said:
“Bronco Nation, I’m bringing the thunder.”
