College Football

Top QB recruit reportedly attempting to leave Florida amid NIL issues

Published Jan. 18, 2023 5:00 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Florida quarterback recruit Jaden Rashada requested a release from his national letter of intent Tuesday night after a $13 million name, imagine and likeness deal fell through, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side has publicly acknowledged the pending split.

Rashada’s future had been in doubt since he failed to enroll at Florida last week, sending signals that something was amiss. He flipped his commitment from Miami to Florida in mid-November and formally signed with the Gators on Dec. 21.

But his arrival in Gainesville was contingent on a four-year, $13 million NIL deal he signed with the Gator Collective, according to the person. The Gator Collective is an independent fundraising arm that disburses money to student-athletes in all sports. The financial backing fell through, however — the Gator Collective terminated the binding agreement — and left Florida coach Billy Napier to scramble to try to get Rashada to campus.

[College football transfer portal tracker: Kyle Ford moves from USC to UCLA]

It was a messy situation to say the least, one that could have long-term ramifications for Napier and the Gators. Rashada’s representatives still could file a lawsuit against the Gator Collective and maybe the athletic department.

Rashada, a California high school star, returned home to the San Francisco suburb of Pittsburg instead of enrolling. The 6-foot-4, 185-pounder completed 60.1% of his passes last season for 5,275 yards, 59 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Ranked a five-star prospect by 247Sports, Rashada picked Miami over Florida in June. He changed his mind amid the Hurricanes’ disappointing season.

The Gators badly needed help at the all-important QB position. They lost Anthony Richardson to the NFL draft and dismissed backup Jalen Kitna following his arrest on child pornography charges. They also had Emory Jones and Carlos Del Rio-Wilson transfer last spring.

Florida has since signed Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz to compete for the starting job alongside Jack Miller. The Gators were trying to land former LSU quarterback Walker Howard, but Howard committed to SEC rival Ole Miss on Wednesday instead.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Joel Klatt's on how to fix the transfer portal issues in college football

Joel Klatt explains the problems with the transfer portal system in college football and gives his solution to the problem.

More on College Football:

• Why you shouldn't bet against a Georgia three-peat next year
• NFL mock draft: Alabama players go 1-2 as top 18 order is set
• Ohio State is primed to reload even with C.J. Stroud bound for NFL
• Michigan's plan to 'run it back': Blake Corum, a new O-line and a fresh start
• Can TCU keep momentum after unexpected run to CFP title game?

Top stories from FOX Sports:

• Cowboys' Dak Prescott comes up big vs. Bucs, but bigger challenge awaits
• Why the Miami Dolphins are headed for an uneasy offseason
• Trevor Lawrence, Daniel Jones emerge; the secret of the 49ers' success
• NFL poll: Expert picks for MVP, DPOY, Super Bowl and other awards
• Bills QB Josh Allen does just enough in chaotic win over Dolphins

share

Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Florida Gators

College Football

Miami (FL) Hurricanes