Former Georgia quarterback Jaden Rashada is lining up official transfer visits to UConn and Fresno State, bringing his total scheduled trips to four top Group of Five programs, On3 national analyst Pete Nakos reports. Rashada entered the NCAA transfer portal on January 5, 2025, and retains three years of collegiate eligibility. Nakos notes that, in addition to UConn and Fresno State, Rashada maintains recruitment ties to Western Kentucky and Tulane, positioning him as one of the premier quarterbacks available this spring.
Background and Early Career
Jaden Rashada burst onto the national scene as a decorated high‑school passer at Pittsburg High School in California, where he threw for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns en route to a North Coast Section Division I championship in 2021. A four‑star recruit in the Class of 2023, Rashada became one of the first high school athletes to monetize his Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) when he inked a four‑figure deal with recruiting app AIR. He signed his National Letter of Intent with Florida but was released before ever suiting up, citing program changes and legal disputes.
Rashada then committed to Arizona State, starting two games in 2023 and throwing for 485 yards and four touchdowns in limited action. Those performances earned him an opportunity to transfer to Georgia, where he redshirted in 2024 without seeing game action. At each stop, Rashada has demonstrated a strong arm, quick release and dual‑threat upside that continues to intrigue suitors across the country.
Transfer Portal Entry and Eligibility
Rashada officially entered the NCAA transfer portal on January 5, 2025, giving him three years of eligibility remaining to compete at the next level. Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, “Rashada plans to file the paperwork required to enter the NCAA transfer portal” this offseason. He leaves Georgia having practiced in Kirby Smart’s pro‑style offense but without an in‑game snap, positioning him as a proven passer ready to win a starting role elsewhere.
247Sports ranks Rashada as one of the top‑available signal callers in the portal, projecting him as a high‑upside addition for programs seeking a change‑the‑game talent under center. His portal rating of 89.34 places him among the top 20 quarterbacks nationally, underscoring his value to prospective suitors.
On3’s Pete Nakos on Official Visits
According to Nakos, Rashada has scheduled official visits to UConn and Fresno State, with dates to be finalized this spring. Those trips will mark Rashada’s first stops since leaving Athens, offering him extended evaluation periods inside both programs’ facilities. Nakos adds that Western Kentucky and Tulane, two schools previously linked to Rashada, remain in the picture as he continues vetting his options.
On3’s national insider highlights that Rashada’s established relationships—dating back to his recruiting cycle and his high‑school NIL network—have created early momentum in his transfer process. With three years of eligibility and a résumé that spans Florida, Arizona State and Georgia, Rashada brings both maturity and upside to any prospective roster.
Group of Five Interest and Suitor Landscape
Multiple Group of Five programs have pursued Rashada since he entered the portal, with UConn and Fresno State now securing visits. Nakos reports that “currently the top‑available quarterback in the portal,” Rashada’s market remains robust despite shifting team needs. Western Kentucky extended an official invite after Rashada visited the Hilltoppers’ campus, and Tulane has expressed interest pending resolution of its own quarterback room.
At UConn, Joe Fagnano occupies the spring roster, but his eligibility timeline remains uncertain; former Oklahoma/Wisconsin transfer Nick Evers also returns after throwing for 918 yards and five touchdowns last season. Fresno State, meanwhile, added Rice transfer E.J. Warner in January but lost junior Josh Wood to the portal, leaving an opening that Rashada can compete to fill.
Competition and Opportunity at Each School
Western Kentucky already hosts Abilene Christian transfer Maverick McIvor, who threw for 3,828 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2024. Rashada’s visit will allow the Hilltoppers’ coaching staff to compare his pro‑style polish with McIvor’s dual‑threat burst.
UConn returned to bowl contention last season and seeks to maintain momentum in the Big East. With Fagnano’s status uncertain and Evers playing backup last year, Rashada could slide directly into a competition for the starting role.
Fresno State finished 2024 ranked among the top Mountain West offenses. The Bulldogs return freshman Jayden Mandal but need experience, making Rashada a compelling candidate to push for the Week 1 nod.
Tulane remains the dark horse: Jon Sumrall’s Green Wave signed veteran TJ Finley, but Finley’s suspension leaves Donovan Leary and Kadin Semonza as current competitors. Rashada’s pedigree could vault him ahead of the depth chart if he chooses to visit.
Legal Matters and Off‑Field Context
Off the field, Rashada’s litigation against former Florida head coach Billy Napier and UF booster Hugh Hathcock continues to progress. A judge recently ruled that his claims of fraudulent inducement and misrepresentation survive to discovery and trial, adding nuance to his transfer timeline. The NIL‑related lawsuit, originally filed in May 2024, underscores Rashada’s willingness to challenge established processes, a trait that appeals to programs valuing assertive leadership.
Outlook and Next Steps
As the NCAA transfer portal window closes on April 22, Rashada aims to finalize his visits and weigh offers before spring practices end. Official visits can extend up to 48 hours, giving Rashada ample time to tour facilities, meet game‑planning staff and engage with teammates. While commitments often trickle in through June, early visits can yield spring‑camp enrollments and summer workouts in new playbooks.
Should Rashada elect to join one of these Group of Five programs, he would immediately inject SEC‑level recruiting prestige and quarterback experience into his new team’s quarterback room. With three seasons remaining to develop his résumé, Rashada’s next destination will shape not only a program’s 2025 trajectory but also his NFL Draft aspirations beyond 2026.
