Loyalty Over Legacy: Davon Booth Rejects \$8.7 Million Oklahoma Sooners Offer, Declares Mississippi State as His True Home

**Loyalty Over Legacy: Davon Booth Rejects \$8.7 Million Oklahoma Sooners Offer, Declares Mississippi State as His True Home**

In a college football era increasingly defined by record-breaking NIL deals and high-profile transfers, one name is standing out for a very different reason. Davon Booth, the electrifying running back widely regarded as one of the nation’s top prospects, has made headlines by turning down a reported \$8.7 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from the Oklahoma Sooners. Instead of chasing a potentially larger spotlight or a bigger payday, Booth chose to stay with Mississippi State, a decision rooted in loyalty, trust, and a self-proclaimed sense of home.

### A Bold Decision in a Shifting Landscape

In an exclusive statement shared Monday morning, Booth said:

*”Mississippi State gave me a shot when others wouldn’t. This is home. Loyalty matters more to me than a legacy built on dollar signs.”*

The news sent shockwaves across the SEC and college football as a whole. Booth, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound running back known for his breakaway speed and bruising power, had been courted by several top-tier programs. Sources close to the recruitment process confirm that Oklahoma offered Booth one of the largest NIL deals in college football history for a running back.

 

“This was not a small offer, and it was absolutely real,” said one SEC recruiting insider. “Eight figures just to switch jerseys. But Davon’s choice speaks to a different mindset — he values his relationships and his commitment to Mississippi State.”

 

### Why Booth’s Choice Matters

 

While high-profile athletes like Caleb Williams, Shedeur Sanders, and Quinn Ewers have embraced lucrative NIL opportunities in recent years, Booth’s rejection of such a deal highlights a growing conversation about player identity beyond financial gain.

 

Mississippi State’s fanbase and coaching staff have rallied around Booth, who became the Bulldogs’ starting running back last season as a sophomore. In 2024, Booth rushed for 1,356 yards and 14 touchdowns, becoming a cornerstone of Mississippi State’s offense and earning All-SEC honors.

 

Head coach Jeff Lebby issued a public statement shortly after Booth’s decision went public:

 

*”Davon Booth represents everything we’re building here at Mississippi State. Work ethic, humility, loyalty. He’s not just a great player; he’s a great person. This is the kind of story that should remind everyone why college football still matters beyond the money.”*

 

### The Economics Behind It

 

While Booth’s decision might seem like a throwback to pre-NIL days, financial experts say his brand value could still flourish without the Oklahoma deal. By staying at Mississippi State, Booth retains the possibility of local endorsements, Mississippi-based partnerships, and perhaps most importantly, solidifies his image as a player loyal to his roots.

 

Sports business analyst Mark Dowling shared his take:

 

*”By rejecting the offer, Booth might actually increase his long-term earning potential. Fans love loyalty, and brands do too. We’ve seen it before with players who chose to stay put and build a unique story. In today’s social media age, that can be just as valuable as a big-dollar NIL deal.”*

 

### Reaction Across the College Football World

 

As expected, reaction to Booth’s announcement flooded social media. Mississippi State supporters praised him as the ultimate Bulldog, while Oklahoma fans expressed disappointment but respect for his choice.

 

Even former players weighed in. Former Mississippi State star Dak Prescott posted on X (formerly Twitter):

*”Big respect to @DavonBooth — loyalty over legacy. That’s the Bulldog way. Proud of you, young king.”*

 

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum called it “one of the most refreshing stories in modern college football.”

 

### Booth’s Personal Connection to Mississippi

 

For Booth, the decision was about more than football. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, his ties to the state run deep. His family still resides there, and he has been open about wanting to give back to the local community.

 

In an interview last season, Booth shared:

*”I’m playing for more than just myself. I’m playing for my mom, my brothers, my whole city. Mississippi gave me everything.”*

 

### What’s Next for Booth and Mississippi State?

 

With Booth’s return locked in, Mississippi State’s 2025 season prospects have brightened. Analysts now project the Bulldogs as a serious contender in the SEC West, especially given Booth’s leadership both on and off the field.

 

Recruiting insiders also suggest Booth’s loyalty could influence other top recruits to consider Mississippi State over larger programs, emphasizing culture and fit over strictly monetary factors.

 

Meanwhile, Oklahoma is expected to continue pursuing other top running back targets as it navigates its own post-Booth strategy. Insiders say the Sooners remain focused on building through high-profile NIL deals but acknowledge Booth’s choice as a rare and commendable exception.

 

### Closing Thoughts: A Story Bigger Than Football

 

At a time when college football is evolving faster than ever — with NIL, conference realignment, and transfer portal drama dominating headlines — Davon Booth’s stand feels especially meaningful.

 

By choosing Mississippi State, Booth has signaled to fans, fellow athletes, and young players coming up through the ranks that loyalty still has a place in the game.

 

As Coach Lebby summed it up in his press conference:

*”Sometimes, staying home is the biggest win there is.”*

 

For Mississippi State, for the fans, and for Davon Booth himself — this decision is about more than football. It’s about building something lasting, right where it all started.