Mississippi State fans have been focused on how head coach Jeff Lebby would round out his roster through the Transfer Portal, especially along the lines of scrimmage. But Lebby threw a bit of a curveball this week, adding a name that might’ve surprised some - quarterback Jaden Rashada.
Yes, that Jaden Rashada.
The former blue-chip recruit - once one of the most talked-about names in college football for both his on-field potential and off-field headlines - is headed to Starkville. Rashada comes to Mississippi State by way of Sacramento State, but his journey has included stops at Arizona State and Georgia, with plenty of twists along the way.
Once ranked as the No. 6 quarterback in the 2023 class, Rashada was a household name before he ever took a college snap. The Pittsburgh, California native originally committed to Miami, reportedly tied to a major NIL deal, before flipping to Florida with an even bigger number attached - a reported $14 million package.
That deal famously fell apart, leading to his release from the Gators before ever stepping on campus. It was one of the first high-profile NIL sagas that highlighted just how chaotic the new era of college football could be.
Rashada eventually landed at Arizona State, where he won the starting job as a true freshman. But his time with the Sun Devils was cut short by injury - sidelined after just two games, he returned for the season finale. In total, he played in three games, completing 53.7% of his passes for 485 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions.
After that, he transferred to Georgia, where he was expected to back up Carson Beck and potentially compete for the starting job in the future. But things never materialized in Athens.
Rashada didn’t see the field in 2024, and with Gunner Stockton taking hold of the “QB of the future” title, Rashada once again hit the Portal. During his time with the Bulldogs, he also made headlines off the field, filing a lawsuit against then-Florida head coach Billy Napier over the failed NIL deal that derailed his initial college plans.
His next stop was Sacramento State at the FCS level. Rashada began the 2025 season as the Hornets’ starter but was benched midway through his second game. He ended up appearing in six games, completing just 40.5% of his passes for 264 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
So, what does this mean for Mississippi State?
Look - there’s no sugarcoating it: Rashada’s college career hasn’t gone the way anyone thought it would. The hype coming out of high school hasn’t translated into consistent production or stability.
But even with that rollercoaster of a resume, there’s still something here. There’s still talent.
And for a Mississippi State team looking to build depth behind projected starter Kamario Taylor, Rashada is a low-risk, high-upside addition.
The Bulldogs already added AJ Swann from the Portal earlier this cycle, and he’s expected to be the primary backup. Swann brings more SEC experience and has a more consistent track record.
But Rashada offers a different skill set - a bigger arm, a bit more mobility, and that natural talent that once made him a top-tier recruit. He’s not a true dual-threat, but he can move enough to avoid pressure and extend plays when needed.
At 6-4 and 183 pounds, Rashada still has the physical tools that coaches love to work with. He may not be expected to challenge for the starting job right away, but if the Bulldogs ever need to dip into their QB depth chart, having someone with his ceiling in the room gives them options.
For Jeff Lebby, it’s about building a quarterback room that can withstand the grind of an SEC season. Rashada, even with all the ups and downs, adds value. He’s a depth piece with upside - and in today’s college football landscape, that’s exactly the kind of player you want waiting in the wings.