Mississippi State is adding some experience and intrigue to its quarterback room with the transfer of Jaden Rashada - a name that’s been in the headlines more than once over the past few years.
Rashada, a redshirt junior originally from Pittsburg, California, is officially headed to Starkville. The Bulldogs announced the addition on Jan. 22, giving their QB depth chart a boost ahead of the 2026 season. While Kamario Taylor is expected to be the starter, Rashada will be in the mix to compete for the backup role, likely going head-to-head with Appalachian State transfer AJ Swann.
Rashada’s path to Mississippi State has been anything but ordinary. Once a four-star recruit in the 2023 class, he’s made stops at Arizona State, Georgia, and most recently Sacramento State. His time at Sac State was cut short by a thumb injury after just two starts in 2025, but he still managed to put up 264 passing yards, a touchdown, and one interception before being sidelined.
Before that, Rashada had a promising stint at Arizona State in 2023, completing 44 of 82 passes for 485 yards and four touchdowns. He transferred to Georgia for the 2024 season but didn’t see the field.
Of course, Rashada’s name is also tied to one of the more high-profile NIL sagas in recent memory. Originally committed to Florida, he never suited up for the Gators after an NIL agreement fell apart - a situation that led to a lawsuit against then-head coach Billy Napier. That chapter added a layer of complexity to what was already a high-profile recruitment.
Now, with a fresh start at Mississippi State, Rashada brings not only experience but also a level of maturity that comes from navigating the ups and downs of college football’s new era. He joins a quarterback room that includes Taylor, Swann, three-star freshman Brodie McWhorter, and former walk-on Parker Puckett.
The Bulldogs are clearly looking to solidify their depth behind Taylor, and Rashada’s arm talent and game experience could make him a valuable piece of that puzzle. While he’s not expected to take the starting job, don’t be surprised if he pushes for meaningful reps - especially if he can stay healthy and settle into the system quickly.
For Mississippi State, this move isn’t just about adding another name to the roster. It’s about bringing in a quarterback who’s seen the highs and lows of college football and still has something to prove.