In what continues to be a one-of-a-kind situation thus far, many top college football recruits are learning from the Rashada versus Florida battle.
Over a month ago now, one of the premier quarterback recruits Jaden Rashada announced he would leave the Florida Gators and launch a legal battle against the program. Rashada claims he was promised extensive amounts of NIL money in exchange for his commitment, however that money was never paid to the quarterback according to his lawyer. Now, many top college football recruits are taking extreme caution moving forward to avoid the same issues with other programs.
College Football Recruits, Staff Members Aim to Avoid Repeats of Ugly Florida Gators Situation
Perhaps one of the most odd and new-age situations that has unfolded in front of college football fans has been the Jaden Rashada and Florida Gators legal case. The situation begins on National Signing Day nearly 19 months ago, when Rashada signed his letter with the Florida Gators. The quarterback signed his deal and would attend Florida, but shortly after, the Gators released Rashada from his letter of intent in a shocking move.
Rashada is now suing Head Coach Billy Napier, along with a booster and former recruiting staff employee from Florida. The quarterback claims he was promised $1 million sign with the team on National Signing Day, and was promised an additional $500,000 as a signing bonus for joining the program. However, the quarterback also claims he was never paid out any of the $13.85 million he was promised despite multiple attempts to reassure the recruit.
The ugly break-up has been at the center of discussions regarding NIL payments and whether or not they should actually occur in collegiate sports. As a result of this situation, many programs have adopted new NIL regulations and rules for their school and how they conduct business.
Major 2025 Recruits Speak Out About Issues, Worries Regarding NIL Deals
During the recent On3 Elite Series showcase, multiple top recruits had the chance to speak to the media about their current feelings regarding NIL deals and promised money. Five-star safety and potential USC commitment Trey McNutt stated that NIL deals and negotiations are about ‘Trust’ as well as “…knowing you are around the right people.”
North Carolina quarterback commitment Bryce Baker also spoke about the state of NIL deals and his personal experience with them. Baker has not been a big name in the NIL space, and admittedly is not as interested in deals and money as he is in developing as a player. The quarterback stated, “…the importance of having it in written form…taking the time to take the right steps.”
Another recruit who also had the chance to speak about the state of NIL deals was Notre Dame tackle commitment Will Black. Black, a native of Canada, sought to expand his earning potential as an international recruit. Black claims that agents and boosters have been the ones thus far who have ‘sketched’ him out, but the recruit also stated he choose Notre Dame due to his comfort around the staff.
Moving Forward Will College Football Programs Exercise More Caution?
Whether the Florida Gators prove to be guilty of lying to Rashada or not, college football programs will need to exercise more caution moving forward. In the case of Rashada, it is very possible the quarterback did not fully read the agreements he was signing, which would mean the Gators staff is free of any wrong doing. However, the issue is that regardless of what the agreements signed say, Rashada claims many of the financial promises that were made were verbal.
Moving forward, both college football athletes and staff members alike will need to exercise extreme caution due to the issues that have come out.
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