The business of collegiate sports has forever changed due to the explosion of the transfer portal and NIL deals in the millions.
Instead of players choosing to attend an institution for sports and academics, they’re now doing so based on what NIL deals they can secure. In fact, per reports, many are now asking what they can receive to come and what else they can get while there. With no boundaries or guidelines levied on what is and isn’t legal, it’s a free-for-all that coaches and players alike are taking full advantage of.
Who Is Jaden Rashada?
Which brings up 2023 five-star QB Jaden Rashada and his filing for his release from Florida after signing with the Gators on Dec. 21, the first day of the early signing period.
Since then, there hasn’t been much movement on getting Rashada enrolled, and as of Jan. 11 his dad Harlan told one well known recruiting outlet, “We’re in constant talks with Florida in regard to his enrollment, but I’d like to think if he’s not enrolled by Friday there will be some challenges there to proceed as planned.”
One week later, and the talented gunslinger has been granted his release from his commitment, ending his short one-month relationship with the Gators.
How Much NIL Money Did Florida Gators Offer Rashada?
Rumors are a four-year, $13M NIL deal with the Gators Collective fell through due to lack of funding. That in turn is why he never enrolled and has now been granted his release.
Per reports, 5-star QB recruit Jaden Rashada has asked for a release from his National Letter of Intent at Florida.
Former Gator @ChrisDoering says he's happy to hear that news. Here's why:⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ENXQL9o7QZ
— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) January 18, 2023
The California native currently ranks as the No. 6 quarterback in the class and No. 29 overall prospect.
Why Did Rashada Flip From Miami To Florida?
In November when Rashada flipped from Miami to Florida, many said it was NIL driven. LifeWallet CEO John Ruiz, who handles the NIL deals for the Hurricanes, reportedly had a deal planned with Rashada, but reports suggest Florida upped the ante and the star QB was looking for the bigger bag. Once comfortable with the number Florida’s NIL collective was guaranteeing, Rashada committed to head coach Billy Napier and the Gators.
The move didn’t seem to bother Ruiz, who wished Rashada and his dad well following the move.
Jaden, best of luck to you! Send my regards to your dad as well. You are a great kid!!! https://t.co/ExKYYWOSUd
— John H. Ruiz, CEO LifeWallet and Attorney at Law (@JohnHRuiz) November 11, 2022
Rashada’s agent, Michael Caspino, who has claimed over and over again that Rashada took less to commit to Miami, hasn’t said much of anything about his client heading to Florida for that reported $13M in a deal that has fallen through.
Now with Rashada on the move again, one has to wonder how many schools are going to want to deal with him following the way the situation unfolded. There will be teams that still court the talented five-star QB, as those type of elite players aren’t dropping from the sky.
Gators Grant Release, So What’s Next For Rashada?
Rashada is once again a free man, so he can visit and sign wherever he chooses. When he initially chose Florida, the other schools to make his final list were Oregon, Cal, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Miami. One would have to think Miami has probably moved on. So that means the two Pac-12 schools likely would be in hot pursuit for the California kid.
Jaden Rashada has been released from his NLI at Florida.
It was reported he was promised $13,000,000 by their NIL collective but informed him that was no longer the case after he signed his NLI. pic.twitter.com/bZyFvaNAvx
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) January 18, 2023
Don’t see him going to either Ole Miss or Texas A&M as of now. There are also several Pac-12 schools waiting to pounce. The Arizona State Sun Devils under first-year head coach Kenny Dillingham are an option, because Dillingham recruited Rashada when he was the offensive coordinator at Oregon. He’d have to compete with Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne, which could be problematic.
Then there’s Washington who’d love nothing more than to add him to succeed current starter Michael Penix Jr. after the 2023 season.
Will Rashada Visit Deion Sanders In Colorado?
He’s expected to visit Deion Sanders and Colorado this weekend.
Whoever lands the talented Rashada is getting a player who competed in the Elite 11 Finals, Under Armour All-America Game, and the Polynesian Bowl. The three biggest postseason events for rising and outgoing seniors.
