Report: NCAA investigation centers on Florida's recruitment of Jaden Rashada

More details are starting to emerge on the NCAA’s reported investigation into Florida. The inquiry centers on the Gators’ recruitment of Jaden Rashada, according to The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy.

Rashada initially committed to Miami, but signed with the Gators during the 2023 recruiting cycle. He was granted his release from his National Letter of Intent and later signed with Arizona State, where he played as a freshman in 2023.

On Friday, Tampa Bay Times initially reported UF received a notice of inquiry in June, but it didn’t include specifics.

Rashada’s recruitment took a few turns, On3 reported at the time. He said his plans were to arrive on campus in January 2023 with the early enrollees, but he ended up missing the add/drop period. Florida then granted his request for his release from his NLI, allowing him to eventually sign with Arizona State.

As Rashada went through the recruiting process, NIL played a big role. It was one of the variables when he was deciding on where he’d play college ball. The timing of the Tampa Bay Times report about the investigation into Florida comes about a week after the NCAA announced multiple punishments against Florida State for NIL-related infractions.

Florida State was also at the center of an NCAA investigation

Seminoles offensive coordinator Alex Atkins was at the center of the investigation. He allegedly drove a transfer recruit to meet with the CEO of one of FSU’s NIL collectives, Rising Spear. All told, Atkins committed two Level II violations, and will serve a three-game suspension to start the 2024 season — the first related to a recruiting inducement in the NIL era.

In addition, Atkins received a two-year show cause from the NCAA as part of the sanctions, which were negotiated between the school and the NCAA.

Other penalties against Florida State include two years of probation, a three-year disassociation from the booster and a one-year disassociation from the NIL collective. Atkins also cannot recruit off-campus during Fall 2023. Head coach Mike Norvell did not receive any punishment because he “actively monitored” the “clear expectations” he set for compliance within the program.

Florida State athletic director Michael Alford released a statement on the resolution shortly after the announcement.

“We are pleased to reach closure to this situation and view this as another step in strengthening our culture of compliance at Florida State University,” Alford said. “We take all compliance matters very seriously, and our full cooperation with the NCAA on this case is a clear example of that commitment. We remain committed to compliance with all NCAA rules including disassociation of the booster and collective.”