Florida college quarterback settles $14M failed NIL lawsuit against Billy Napier

A high-profile legal dispute tied to a massive name, image, and likeness agreement involving Florida college football has officially come to a close.

Quarterback Jaden Rashada and former Florida head coach Billy Napier reached a settlement this week in a federal case centered on a failed NIL deal valued at nearly $14 million, according to The Associated Press. Court records show the matter was resolved after mediation, just months before it was scheduled to go to trial in July. Terms of the agreement were not made public.

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Rashada originally filed the lawsuit in 2024, naming Napier along with Florida booster Hugh Hathcock, Hathcock’s former company, Velocity Automotive, and Marcus Castro-Walker, a former staffer in the program. The complaint outlined multiple allegations, including fraudulent misrepresentation, civil conspiracy, and tortious interference, and sought at least $10 million in damages.

At the core of the dispute was Rashada’s recruitment to Florida and the NIL opportunities tied to it. The quarterback had initially committed to Miami in 2022, where, according to the complaint, he had been offered a $9.5 million NIL deal. The lawsuit alleged that Florida representatives later presented a significantly larger package—valued at $13.85 million—through a booster-backed collective.

The agreement was tied to the now-defunct Gator Collective, an independent organization that worked with Florida athletes on NIL opportunities. Rashada’s filing claimed Napier supported the arrangement and assured him that key payments, including $1 million upon signing, would be delivered.

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The deal ultimately fell apart before Rashada ever took the field for Florida. He was released from his commitment shortly afterward and began a series of moves across programs. After spending the 2023 season at Arizona State, he transferred to Georgia in 2024, then to Sacramento State in 2025, and is currently with Mississippi State.