Asaad Waseem describes his college football journey in one word: elevation.
The former Ocoee High School standout began his career at the University of Colorado before transferring to Florida Atlantic and later Purdue. His path, once expected to be linear, reflects the increasingly common reality of modern college football, where roster movement, opportunity, and perception can shift quickly.
For Waseem, the moves were not about instability. They were about finding a chance to play.
“I didn’t get the chance to showcase my talents at Colorado,” Waseem said. “At FAU, I got the opportunity to showcase my talents, and that led me to Purdue.”
Despite once holding more than 25 scholarship offers, Waseem’s recruitment shifted after his junior season, and the offers disappeared.
He responded with a dominant senior year. In 2022-23, he was named Orlando Sentinel Player of the Year and earned first-team all-state honors across multiple publications. In 14 games, he caught 82 passes for 1,481 yards and 20 touchdowns, helping lead Ocoee High School to the Florida 4M semifinals. He also recorded two interceptions on defense and returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.
Following that season, Colorado was among the few Power Five programs willing to offer him an opportunity. For Waseem, the offer carried added weight because of who was leading the program.
“Being up there in Colorado with Coach Prime meant a lot to me,” Waseem said. “He’s a strong Black male and represents something in this world. Going to play for him just felt like the right move at the time.”
Like many young recruits, Waseem envisioned a quick path to the NFL.
“Coming out as a high school recruit, you think three years and out,” he said. “Sometimes it just takes a longer process.”
He spent two seasons at Colorado without significant playing time. Despite limited opportunities, Waseem said he never questioned his overall direction.
“I knew this was going to be my path,” he said. “I just had to change the course a little bit.”
After transferring to FAU, Waseem found the playing time he had been seeking. Returning to Florida brought a new environment and renewed confidence.
“It gave me the opportunity to play,” he said. “Playing in games gave me more confidence to be myself on the field and show my talents.”
In his lone season at FAU, Waseem had 66 receptions for 699 yards and five touchdowns, production that helped position him for his next opportunity at Purdue.
He said transferring multiple times can create assumptions about a player’s character or commitment.
“Transferring multiple times can put a bad image on your name,” Waseem said. “People don’t know the inside and out of why you’re transferring.”
Now at Purdue, Waseem said he feels more prepared and more aware than when he first arrived at Colorado.
“I was younger at Colorado,” he said. “Now I have more experience. I know how college works.”
Beyond football, he sees Purdue as an opportunity to change his family’s future.
“I’m finally in a situation where I feel like I can change my life and change my family’s life,” he said. “I’m coming off a big year, and I just got to keep going.”
If he could speak to his younger self, Waseem said his advice would be simple.
“Stay humble. Believe in yourself. Trust the process,” he said. “Things may not look good at the moment. Just stay down and remain true.”
After years of waiting for an opportunity, Waseem hopes people understand what the journey requires.
“This journey wasn’t easy,” he said. “People don’t know what it’s like being 1,000 miles away from home. All you know is football, and you’re not given the opportunity to showcase what you can do.”
Through transfers, setbacks, and renewed opportunity, Waseem said one principle carried him forward.
“I never put my head down. I just kept working.”
Now at Purdue, Waseem said he is continuing the process, one he believes is still unfolding.
