Jaden Rashada has been named the starting quarterback for Sacramento State, according to a report by ESPN's Pete Thamel.
This comes after a wild college ride for the former No. 1 passer. Rashada’s college football journey has been anything but straightforward. Once one of the most highly touted quarterback recruits in the 2023 class, the former five-star prospect has went through commitments, transfers, injuries, and legal disputes before finally finding what may be his first real chance to lead a program.
Rashada originally committed to Miami in June 2022, but months later flipped to Florida. His story quickly mead headlines in the evolving world of NIL, as a reported $13.85 million deal with the Gator Collective collapsed, leading him to request a release from his National Letter of Intent.
Source: Jaden Rashada will be the starting quarterback for Sacramento State. They open with No. 3 South Dakota State.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 28, 2025
In January 2023, he enrolled at Arizona State, where he earned the starting role to open the season. But Rashada was limited by an injury and played in only three games as a freshman. Nonetheless, he threw for 485 yards and four touchdowns with a 53.7% completion rate. He later redshirted, preserving four years of eligibility.
Rashada then transferred to Georgia in 2024. But behind Carson Beck and Gunner Stockton, he never saw the field. The following offseason, he once again entered the portal, ultimately landing at Sacramento State earlier this year.
It’s a notable decision for both sides. Sacramento State is coming off a 3-9 campaign and badly needs a spark. Meanwhile, Rashada is hoping to prove he can stay healthy and perhaps reemerge as an option for an FBS program down the road. With Sacramento State expected to move into the FBS ranks by 2026, the opportunity is significant.
Rashada still has three years of eligibility left. Whether Sacramento State becomes his final stop or just another step in his winding career, his next chapter begins Saturday night against South Dakota State.
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