The NCAA is investigating the University of Florida football program for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) practices, following sanctions imposed on Alabama and Texas.
The probe focuses on a failed $13.85 million NIL agreement involving quarterback Jaden Rashada, who had committed to Florida in 2022. The arrangement, sponsored by the now-defunct Gator Collective, failed, prompting Rashada to request a release from his National Letter of Intent. He then enrolled at Arizona State before transferring to Georgia.
In April 2025, a federal judge permitted Rashada’s case against Florida head coach Billy Napier and sponsor Hugh Hathcock to move forward. The lawsuit charges fraud and conspiracy in connection with the NIL contract, including a promised $1 million payment to Rashada’s father upon signing.
This is Florida’s second NCAA inquiry in four years. In 2020, the program faced a one-year probation and a show-cause penalty for then-coach Dan Mullen’s recruiting transgressions.
The NCAA has asked Florida to refrain from launching its own probe and has not offered a deadline for it. University authorities have declared that they will cooperate with the NCAA while maintaining strong integrity standards.
The situation at Florida mirrors recent disciplinary procedures taken by the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) against other renowned teams. Florida State was penalized for NIL-related recruiting infractions in January 2024, with probation and disassociation from the NIL collective. Additionally, the SEC penalized Texas $250,000 after supporters tossed debris on the field during a game versus Georgia.
As the NCAA continues to enforce its prohibitions on NIL activities, the conclusion of Florida’s probe could have far-reaching consequences for the program and the overall landscape of collegiate athletics.