Florida quarterback Jaden Rashada filed a request to be released from his National Letter of Intent after signing with the Gators Dec. 21, according to 247Sports. A five-star member of the 2023 class, Rashada is ranked the #6 quarterback and considered the #29 overall by 247Sports.
His retirement from the Gators division leaves the program without a freshman quarterback signee, though former Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz has pledged via the transfer portal.
Rashada’s desire for release is just the latest development in his tortuous recruiting. The California native initially signed to Miami in June via Florida, LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M, but switched his pick to the Gators in November – where he was originally scheduled to be signed – eventually signing during the early signing phase.
After Rashada signed with Florida, coach Billy Napier said “there’s a high level of trust there on both sides,” and described the signal caller as a “junkie” in terms of his work ethic.
However, that relationship fell apart in recent weeks due to an issue with a name, image and likeness agreement Rashada signed with a Gators-affiliated collective, according to 247Sports.
How it affects the Gators
With Rashada likely going elsewhere to start his college career, that should set the stage for Mertz to start for the Gators in 2023. Mertz is expected to have two seasons left after throwing for 5,405 yards, 38 touchdowns and 26 interceptions during an up-and-down career with the Badgers.
He was Wisconsin’s main starter the past three years during a 19-13 stretch for the program. Former four-star nominee Jack Miller III, a transfer from Ohio State, is also on the Gators roster. He made his college debut and saw his first action for Florida at the Las Vegas Bowl, where UF failed to manage a touchdown drive. Former three-star contender Max Brown is another option in QB for Florida after failing to appear as a true freshman in game action last season.
What Rashada’s future holds
Many top programs have already signed quarterbacks from the Class of 2023, but Rashada shouldn’t have a shortage of options. Ole Miss has yet to sign a quarterback this cycle after being named among Rashada’s first finalists. LSU QB Walker Howard has also entered the transfer portal after appearing as a true freshman in just two games last season, and the Tigers were among Rashada’s first finalists.
Here’s a scouting report on Rashada from 247Sports national recruiting expert Chris Singletary:
Has a frame and construction that can add a lot of weight and strength. Shaped to easily add at least 20 pounds of muscle mass. As he matures and becomes stronger, this will benefit his durability, long-term ability, and development. Stands upright in the pocket with mobility to avoid rushing and buy time to play under pressure. Balanced and does a good job playing off-platform. Mechanical exhibits a smooth, effortless throwing motion. Gets the ball out quickly and generates power from his lower body to snap the ball out of his hand. Does a good job of changing speeds and touching shots on-demand to either fit the pass into tight windows or complete shots over defenders.
Another option could be Miami considering Rashada was previously involved with the Hurricanes. But the Canes signed three-star signal caller Emory Williams last month.