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College QB Recruit Issues Public Apology Over Controversial Commitment Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Audilet | Last updated May 1, 2025 11:38 PM ET

On Thursday, four-star quarterback recruit Trae Taylor hosted a livestream event to announce his college football commitment.

Surrounded by his family at Carmel Catholic High School, Taylor sat at a table featuring hats from each of his top-4 schools: Nebraska, Texas A&M, LSU and Illinois.

Taylor discarded the Texas A&M and LSU hats before putting on the Illinois cap.

"I'm going to stay home and go to Illinois," Taylor said.

As the crowd began to clap, Taylor ripped the Fighting Illini hat off his head and tossed it to the side.

"We're going to Nebraska, baby! Go Cornhuskers," Taylor said after picking up the Nebraska cap.

4 star Recruit Trae Taylor just hit Illinois with an all time disrespectful pump fake @UnnecRoughness pic.twitter.com/sxL8YpVMfm
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 1, 2025

This controversial commitment behavior sparked a great deal of backlash after the clip went viral on social media.

Taylor issued a public apology in response to this backlash in the hours following his commitment decision.

"I did want to film this video to apologize to Illini nation," Taylor said in a video message. "Throwing the hat today the way I did in my commitment is not the way I want to be perceived. I know that was very disrespectful. I just want to get on here and say that's not who I am — that's not the way I want to be known as. The moment got to me a bit, and I just want to say sorry. I'm very grateful for all the support Illini nation has brought to me."

pic.twitter.com/U6wnys6PjG
— Trae Taylor (@Qb6Trae) May 2, 2025

Taylor threw for 3,061 yards, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his sophomore season at Carmel Catholic. He spent time with Nebraska co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas and quarterback Dylan Raiola during his visit to Lincoln this past weekend.

"Sitting down with Coach Thomas and getting into the offense, seeing how he coaches Dylan and how he can prepare me for the next level -- I really just can't wait," Taylor said, via ESPN. "For me, it's kind of hard committing too early because I have to wait so long to get there."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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