Jaden Rashada, a former five-star QB recruit, has his way through some of the nation’s top programs, which is an astonishing return to his roots. Yesterday, he made his commitment to Sacramento State known, which surprised many college football lovers. High expectations and unexpected transfers somewhat mark his journey. But where is this young star from, and what propelled him to this essential move? Here is a peek into the story of a QB whose career has been unpredictable right from the outset.
Jaden Rashada’s Hometown and His Surprising Commitment to Sacramento State
Rashada hails from Pittsburg, California, a city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. He began high school at Brentwood’s Liberty High School, where he spent his freshman season in 2019, before moving to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He later found his way back to California, where, due to a pandemic in the spring of 2021, he played five games in his sophomore season at Pittsburg High School.
Fast-forward to yesterday. He committed to Sacramento State, a move that shocked football fans. After seasons at Arizona State and Georgia, which are two powerhouse programs, his decision has since posed a question as to why he would make such a move from a powerhouse program to an FCS program like Sacramento.
❤️’z on fire & crazy dreams!
916 see you soon!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Back home!
AG2G 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Bte2xoBfLe— Jaden Rashada 5️⃣ (@jadenrashada) April 26, 2025
However, for those who are familiar with his journey from the start, the move made sense. Sacramento, located in the 916-area code as he referenced in his announcement post, is just a short distance from Pittsburg, making this a sort of homecoming move.
Rashada Path Through College Football
Coming out of high school, he was a highly endorsed prospect; he was ranked as a five-star recruit by various sources. He committed to Arizona State, where he spent his freshman season in 2023. Having displayed flashes of potential, he struggled with a consistent role due to competition within the QB room.
Seeking a fresh start, he landed at Georgia through the transfer portal, a program known for its championship heritage and talent development. However, his time with the Bulldogs wasn’t long. In early 2025, he made his decision known, heading to transfer the second time, citing a desire for a better fit where he could showcase his abilities and grow as a player.
That next move turned out to be Sacramento State, a program that, while not on the same national stage as Arizona State or Georgia, offered Rashada a chance to reset and take on a leadership role he has been questing for.
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As Rashada made his move to the Hornets, the question on everyone’s mind is: what can he offer Sacramento State? At his best, he is a dual-threat QB with the ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. His high school career tells of his versatility; he wasn’t only a footballer, he also played baseball, showing his level of athletic prowess in multiple sports. However, to fulfill his potential, he’ll need to address consistency.
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