Jaden Rashada Released From Florida Gators After $13M NIL Deal Falls Through

ESPN reports that Rashada was released from his national letter of intent by the Florida Gators.

The release came after the quarterback’s reported four-year, $13 million NIL deal with the Gator Collective was unsuccessful.

According to the Associated Press, an anonymous source revealed that Rashada’s initial signing was dependent on the deal. However, the Gator Collective terminated the binding agreement.

The outlet discloses that the failed deal could potentially “have long-term ramifications” on Florida coach Billy Napier and the Gators.

Additionally, there’s a possibility that Rashada’s representatives could file a lawsuit against the Gator Collective, as well as the athletic department.

Being that state law prohibits universities in Florida from offering NIL compensation, the deals are provided with the help of third parties — collectives.

Back in 2021, the Gator Collective officially launched after intercollegiate athletes became permitted under Florida law to be eligible for NIL deals.

“The mission of Gator Collective is simple: to provide fans with exclusive access to, and experiences with, their favorite Gator athlete,” the Gator Collective’s website wrote. “By providing these experiences, it allows the Gator Collective to compensate athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL).”

Prior to being the highest-rated signee in the Gators’ 2023 class, Rashada was committed to Miami.

As previously shared by AfroTech, there were rumors that he had a $9.5 million deal on the table during the commitment.

Now, Rashada is exploring his options as he is free to sign with another college football team. 

It is said that the California native has visited Arizona State University and is set to visit Texas Christian University, per ESPN. The visits come ahead of National Signing Day, which is on Feb. 1.

Before his previous commitments to the University of Florida and the University of Miami, Rashada allegedly received offers from Louisiana State University, the University of Mississippi, and Texas A&M University.