GLOBAL NEWS REPORT Subject: Deontae Lawson Declines Historic $205 Million NIL Offer from Ohio State, Declares Loyalty to Alabama Crimson Tide Date: May 18, 2025 From: Global Sports News Network (GSNN)

GLOBAL NEWS REPORT
Subject: Deontae Lawson Declines Historic $205 Million NIL Offer from Ohio State, Declares Loyalty to Alabama Crimson Tide
Date: May 18, 2025
From: Global Sports News Network (GSNN)

In a stunning turn of events that is sending shockwaves through the world of college athletics, Deontae Lawson, the All-American linebacker and defensive cornerstone of the Alabama Crimson Tide, has officially declined a record-setting $205 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) offer from Ohio State University. Instead, Lawson has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the University of Alabama, solidifying his legacy as one of the most loyal and principled athletes in the modern era of college football.

The unprecedented NIL offer from Ohio State, confirmed by multiple high-level sources, included endorsements from top-tier corporate sponsors, luxury brand deals, personal media platforms, and a multi-year compensation structure that would have made Lawson the highest-paid collegiate athlete in NCAA history. The deal reportedly also included incentives tied to performance, media appearances, and future NFL positioning.

But Lawson, a native of Mobile, Alabama, and a lifelong Crimson Tide fan, turned it down without hesitation.

“This isn’t about money. It’s about legacy. It’s about family. It’s about finishing what I started in Tuscaloosa,” Lawson said during a press conference earlier today at Bryant-Denny Stadium. “I came here to win championships, grow as a man, and represent something bigger than myself. Alabama gave me that chance, and I’m not walking away from that now—not for anything.”

Lawson, who has been a dominant force on the field with over 200 career tackles, multiple sacks, and game-changing plays in the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff, has already cemented his status as one of the top defensive prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. His leadership in the locker room, maturity off the field, and fierce competitiveness have made him a fan favorite and a respected figure across college football.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer praised Lawson’s decision, calling it “one of the most powerful statements of character and team loyalty” he’s seen in his career.

“In today’s world, it’s easy to chase the biggest paycheck. What Deontae just did shows that values, commitment, and loyalty still matter,” DeBoer said.

Ohio State officials have not commented publicly on the declined offer, but sources close to the situation say they are “stunned” by the decision, which could shift the NIL landscape significantly. As elite athletes weigh offers and transfer opportunities, Lawson’s choice to stay loyal to his original program may influence how future top recruits approach their college careers.

Social media has erupted with praise for Lawson, with hashtags like #LoyaltyOverMoney, #RollTideForever, and #DeontaeDeclines205M trending globally. Athletes, alumni, analysts, and fans have hailed him as a role model and a throwback to the pre-NIL era ethos.

As for Lawson, his focus is clear:

“We’ve got a title to win, a standard to uphold, and I’m not finished yet. Roll Tide.”

In an age defined by dollar signs and player mobility, Deontae Lawson just delivered a moment that reminded the world what college football is truly about.