Jaden Rashada had immense potential when he first entered college football. But after locking horns with Billy Napier, everything seems to have stopped for him. Now, however, in an interesting turn of events, Rashada is trying his hand at a golden opportunity. This may not bring him an immediate result but surely puts him in the way of one in the future. After failing to get a start or any kind of field action in 2024, Rashada looks to be going to a surprising choice of program.
The lawsuit against Gators HC Billy Napier and the other defendants was filed nearly a year ago. But a whole season has come and gone since then. This lawsuit claimed $13.8 million in compensation from an NIL deal. Since then, Rashada has been unable to secure a start at Georgia, spending the entire season on the bench. Realizing that he has to take the reins before time runs out, he’s entered the transfer portal. Amidst some odd choices, insider Spencer McLaughlin predicts the interestingly odd school Rashada might be considering.
Until now, it was presumed that the QB was looking at Western Kentucky, UConn, and Tulane. In an April 11 video of Locked On College Football, McLaughlin predicts he could be leaning towards UConn. He explained, “UConn could be a backdoor way for Jaden Rashada to get his way back into the Power 4. UConn’s head coach is Jim Mora Jr. He has turned around a program that, as you may know, is known for basketball, not football.” With Mora at the helm, McLaughlin also thinks UConn has a shot at even breaching the Big 12 someday. What Rashada needs right now is a coach willing to invest time in him.
Credit: Imago
Now, the insider proposes what would happen if Mora, with Rashada on board, saw a great season this year. UConn had a 9-4 record in 2024, by the way, courtesy of Mora. “If Mora then were to become a highly sought-after veteran coaching candidate – which he’s popped up on more than a couple of coaching circle lists over the last couple of years – if he pops up and ends up finding a job there, then guess what? Maybe he takes Jaden Rashada with him.” If that happens, Rashada still has time to build himself a great college career as a quarterback. It’s not a simple roadmap by a long shot, but it’s an opportunity nonetheless.
Rashada is fighting back for another chance to play. He last stepped on the field in November 2023, in a game he lost to Arizona Wildcats. In that season, he played just 3 games, tallying 485 yards, 4 TDs, and a pass completion percentage of 53.7%. His high school numbers, however, show the potential he has. In his senior year, he made 3,055 yards, 32 touchdowns, and had a completion percentage of 62.4%. Rashada just doesn’t want to be a wasted talent anymore and can probably do what he came to do if he ends up under Mora. His lawsuit, in a twist of events, also has a surprising update.
Jaden Rashada’s lawsuit has a major development
The $13.8 million lawsuit against Billy Napier finally seems to kick off, much to the dismay of Florida. In a minor victory for Rashada, the court rejected a dismissal plea from Napier and Co., enabling the lawsuit to commence its initial steps. Judge M. Casey Roberts allowed Rashada to pursue the charges of fraud, misrepresentation, and other related charges. However, his claims of “tortious interference and one count of civil conspiracy” were dismissed.
Rashada filed the lawsuit in May 2024. He named HC Billy Napier, former Gators staff member Marcus Castro-Walker, and booster Hugh Hathcock in the suit. After being allegedly lured by Napier for an NIL deal worth $13.8 million, Rashada just received $150,000. That sum too, didn’t remain with him, as it was used to pay off a University of Miami booster, from where Rashada had flipped. With the dismissal claims no longer relevant, the lawsuit will proceed to discovery, with a hearing scheduled for April 23.
Now, it seems like Rashada may finally have things looking up for him. He will likely go to UConn, where he can, most importantly, find stability under Jim Mora. If he and Mora successfully create a great season, and if the former moves, the QB also has a chance of making it big. And his lawsuit, like his career, is finally charting a course. Can Rashada emerge as the victor in 2025?
The post Jaden Rashada’s Potential New Home Confirmed Amid Big Update on $13.8M Florida Lawsuit appeared first on EssentiallySports.
