College athlete Jaden Rashada has settled a lawsuit surrounding a failed NIL deal.
The former Georgia quarterback sued former University of Florida Gators coach Billy Napier and a top booster over a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal valued at $13.9 million, ESPN reported. Rashada was ranked No. 31 overall in the 2023 class and had first committed to the Miami Hurricanes. He was told he would receive a $9.5 million deal with the Hurricanes. However, he switched his commitment to the University of Florida Gators, with the intent of securing a four-year, $13.85 million NIL deal, notes the outlet. Signing the letter of intent was supposed to be accompanied by a $1 million payout.
Before he could step foot on the field, the NIL agreement was severed, and Rashada was released from the letter of intent, per ESPN. A lawsuit was filed in May 2024 in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola against Napier and Hugh Hathcock, a booster and automotive technology businessman, that accused both parties of “fraudulent misrepresentation and inducement, aiding and abetting fraud, civil conspiracy to commit fraud, negligent misrepresentation, tortious interference with a business relationship or contract, aiding and abetting tortious interference and vicarious liability,” per AP News.
“Sadly, this type of fraud is becoming more commonplace in the Wild West that is today’s college NIL landscape,” said attorney Rusty Hardin, who is representing Rashada, according to AP News.
“Wealthy alumni, consumed by their schools’ athletic programs, are taking advantage of young people by offering them life-changing sums of money, only to renege on their commitments. As the first scholar-athlete to take a stand against this egregious behavior, Jaden seeks to hold these defendants accountable for their actions and to expose their as-yet unchecked abuse of power,” Hardin added.
Rashada sought a jury trial and at least $10 million in damages, notes AP News. The lawsuit has now been settled following a mediation held on Feb. 10, according to WSB-TV. The details of the settlement have not been disclosed.
“He’s a bright young man with great judgment. He thought it was time to move on,” Hardin told ESPN. “He made the point he wanted to make, and now he’s ready to go play football.”
Rashada has played for several schools since withdrawing his letter of intent from the Gators, but he will play for Mississippi State in the 2026 season, per ESPN.
