Quarterback Jaden Rashada has not enrolled at Florida because an “NIL agreement for around $13 million was not honored,” according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The report adds that the relationship is “beyond repair.”
Rashada initially signed with Miami over the summer, but switched to Florida in November. He did not sign his National Letter of Intent until the end of the day. Rashada had left millions on the table when he intended to sign with Miami.
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Rashada asked for Florida to release him from his Letter of Intent, according to an On3.com report.
However, Rashada’s father, Harlen, told 247Sports that “Jaden has not filed for release from Florida. He is still signed with Florida.”
With all of that said, Jake Winderman of CBSSports reported Friday that Rashada’s NIL deal didn’t even come close to that dollar amount.
“I can unequivocally say that Jaden Rashada’s NIL deal is not, and never was, worth $13 million. There is not a single QB in the country being paid that amount of money #Gators Not Arch at Texas, not Malachi at USC, not Nico at Tennessee, not Arnold at Oklahoma. Its just not true,” Winderman tweeted out.
I can unequivocally say that Jaden Rashada's NIL deal is not, and never was, worth $13 million. There is not a single QB in the country being paid that amount of money #Gators
— Jake Winderman (@jakewinderman) January 13, 2023
Not Arch at Texas, not Malachi at USC, not Nico at Tennessee, not Arnold at Oklahoma. Its just not true
There is speculation that Jaden and his father could be posturing to secure the financial commitment that they were seeking from Florida, but this also seems like it could be an irreparable situation.
Florida head coach Billy Napier had previously expressed excitement about partnering up with the 6-foot-4, 185-pound signal caller.
“I think we felt like the connection is real, and we felt like there was something there,” Napier said of Florida’s pursuit of Rashada during his Early Signing Day press conference. “We felt we were really close. Obviously a lot goes into these decisions, but certainly as time went on, we were consistent there, and I think the things that — there was common ground, and I think the connection was real. Just think there’s a high level of trust on both ends there. I’m really excited about what he’s going to bring to our team.”
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Rashanda reportedly had 35 scholarship offers on the table, as he also has great potential to land in the first round of the NFL Draft.
“He’s a junkie. He loves the game,” Napier added. He’s all about the work. I think he’s got a good sturdy frame that we can add weight to. Just been very impressed with his approach.”
