Jaden Rashada Lands at Mississippi State, Continues SEC Journey
A tumultuous transfer saga continues for quarterback Jaden Rashada, who has committed to Mississippi State, marking his third team within the Southeastern Conference. The rising redshirt junior still possesses at least two years of eligibility, but his path to consistent playing time has been anything but straightforward.
Rashada’s journey began with a commitment to the University of Florida on November 10, 2022. However, that pledge was short-lived, as a contract dispute led to his decommitment on January 20, 2023. The situation escalated into a highly publicized NIL lawsuit with Florida’s head coach, Billy Napier, and the university, exposing what many considered the darker aspects of the evolving Name, Image, and Likeness landscape in college athletics.
Seeking a fresh start, Rashada transferred to Arizona State University on February 1, 2023, where he experienced his only Power Four starting role. As a freshman, he threw for 485 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. Despite gaining valuable experience, the emergence of Sam Leavitt as the Sun Devils’ starting quarterback in 2024 prompted another move.
His next destination was the University of Georgia on April 25, 2024, where he found himself in competition with Gunner Stockton for the backup position behind Carson Beck. When Beck sustained an injury during the 2024 SEC Championship game, Stockton was ultimately chosen to take the field, leading Rashada to seek opportunities elsewhere.
A brief stint at Sacramento State followed, with the expectation that he would thrive as a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) player at a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) school. Unfortunately, Rashada started only one game and appeared in six, completing 17 of 42 passes for 264 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Now, Rashada finds himself back in the SEC with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are in need of a starting quarterback, as Blake Shapen has exhausted his eligibility, and freshman Kamario Taylor suffered an injury in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. This presents a potential opportunity for Rashada to finally secure a consistent starting role.
Interestingly, Mississippi State’s schedule does not include matchups against either the Georgia Bulldogs or the Florida Gators until 2027, meaning Rashada will have to wait to potentially face his former teams.
