Jaden Rashada is once again on the open market, looking for his fourth program to commit to entering his true sophomore season. Which landing spots offer the best opportunities for the talented quarterback?
Landing Spots for Jaden Rashada
Rashada initially committed to Miami as a four-star dual-threat in the 2023 class. However, he flipped to Florida and signed his National Letter of Intent in December 2022. But just a month later, he left the Gators following an NIL contract termination.
Arizona State won his services in the ensuing recruiting battle, and Rashada earned the starting nod to open the season. He threw for 403 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception before a leg injury sidelined him until Week 13.
His return against Arizona was unceremonious, to say the least, as he completed 45.5% of his passes for 82 yards, one TD, and two INTs. The offseason hasn’t treated the California native any better, as he has missed most of the spring with a non-football-related thumb injury that required surgery.
The Sun Devils clearly needed QB depth, especially with senior Drew Pyne entering the portal. So, they brought in fellow class of 2023 QB Sam Leavitt from Michigan State. With Rashada putting his name in the portal, per NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, it’s likely Leavitt had a leg (or two) up on the depth chart.
With the table set, which teams should target the young signal-caller, and who makes the most sense?
UCLA Bruins
It’s a new era of UCLA football with Chip Kelly out and DeShaun Foster in. Ethan Garbers announced his return after the season and is the favorite for the starting job after Dante Moore left for Oregon.
Although Rarbgers has experience and is a tough competitor, his athleticism and arm strength trail Rashada’s. With former NFL OC Eric Bieniemy calling the shots, Rashada could smoothen the Bruins’ transition to the Big Ten while playing in his home state.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Offensive coordinator Mike Denrbock recruited Rashada heavily while at LSU, and he could do so again with the Fighting Irish. Duke transfer Riley Leonard is the starter for 2024, but after riding the pine for a season, the job could be Rashada’s beginning in 2025. A year honing his craft and building his credibility on and off the field might be best for his longevity.
Georgia Bulldogs
Carson Beck is back, but the Bulldogs lack depth behind him. Gunner Stockton is serviceable, but freshman Ryan Puglisi is out with a knee injury. What better place to reset than with the perennial national championship challengers?
Florida State Seminoles
Even with DJ Uiagalelei coming in from Oregon State, the Seminoles could use a long-term option at the position. Mike Norvell would put Rashada in a position to succeed offensively, and QBs coach Tony Tokarz has done wonders with his players over the last three years.
Ole Miss Rebels
Lane Kiffin pulled out all the stops to lure Rashada to Ole Miss last year, and although Walker Howard appears to be Jaxon Dart’s heir apparent at QB, you can never have too many options at QB.
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Rashada’s rushing ability and arm talent would shine in Kiffin’s high-octane offense, especially after working under Dart for a season.
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