Quarterback Jaden Rashada is the highest-ranked uncommitted prospect in the 2023 class now that Florida has released him from his national letter of intent.
Rashad, the No. 27 recruit overall, signed with the Gators in the December signing period. A name, image and likeness deal worth a reported $13.8 million from a collective fell through, however, and Rashada requested his release.
He was granted that release Friday and is now free to enroll with any program he would like.
Most of the teams in Rashada's original top list already have added quarterbacks, whether through high school prospects or transfers. Miami, where Rashada was once committed, took four-star Emory Williams; Texas A&M signed ESPN 300 signal-caller Marcel Reed; and LSU added ESPN 300 quarterback Rickie Collins.
The transfer portal window closed Jan. 18, and the late signing period is Wednesday, Feb. 1. Where does that leave Rashada, and what schools might be options for him going forward?
Arizona State
The Sun Devils were a team Rashada was interested in early on in his high school recruitment. His father, Harlen Rashada, played at Arizona State in the 1990s, and it's closer to their home in California.
Rashada also has a relationship with new head coach Kenny Dillingham, who recruited him when Dillingham was the offensive coordinator at Oregon.
Dillingham needs a quarterback to help rebuild the roster and has made the position a priority this offseason. He brought in Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne, BYU transfer Jacob Conover and three-star high school prospect Israel Carter.
Taking in three quarterbacks wouldn't deter the Arizona State staff from welcoming Rashada. They need talent and competition at every position, and Rashada could help set them up for success in the future, even if he doesn't play right away.
Emory Jones transferred to Cincinnati and backup Paul Tyson transferred to Clemson, while Trenton Bourguet is returning for 2023. There isn't enough stability at the position to turn away a prospect like Rashada.
Washington
The Huskies don't have an immediate need at quarterback with star Michael Penix Jr. returning for another season. The staff does have a need for the future, though, as former ESPN 300 quarterback Sam Huard transferred out this offseason.
The coaches didn't sign a high school prospect in the 2022 class, signed Huard in 2021, and currently do not have a high school quarterback committed in the 2023 class. Building depth and competition for the future in this class is vital.
Locking in Rashada would be a huge win. The coaches could allow Penix to start this season, while getting Rashada acclimated and prepared to take over in 2024.
Rashada would know that scenario going in as well, which would make it easier on the staff, limiting the chance Rashada would transfer if he doesn't win the job. Washington has one of the biggest needs at quarterback this cycle and could be the team still in contention that could benefit the most from Rashada's next decision.
Cal
Cal might seem like an outlier, but the Golden Bears' staff was one of the first to offer Rashada in high school. The coaches were in on him as a sophomore and had tried to get his commitment throughout.
Campus is closer to home for Rashada in California, and there is a big need at the position.
The coaches saw starter Jack Plummer transfer out after just one season in the program. Backup Kai Millner also transferred out this offseason, leaving Cal searching for help at quarterback.
That leaves the coaches with three-star Fernando Mendoza, who signed in 2022, and TCU transfer Sam Jackson V.
This would be a tremendous opportunity for Rashada if his goal is to play right away. The talent around him wouldn't be at the level of what he would play with at Washington or Arizona State, though, as Cal has lost quite a few players to the portal, including wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant.
All three schools will likely be options for him, and whether more programs show interest is yet to be seen. He has the talent to play at most schools, but the scenario, timing and his situation with Florida might limit his options.