Who is Jayden Daniels?
Jayden Daniels is an American football quarterback who played college football at Arizona State and LSU before entering the NFL. He transferred to LSU ahead of the 2022 season and quickly established himself as one of the nation’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
At LSU, Daniels started 26 games and finished with 6,725 passing yards, 2,019 rushing yards and 8,744 total yards. He accounted for 79 touchdowns with the Tigers.
His combination of passing accuracy, speed and rushing ability made him particularly difficult for opposing defenses to contain.
Jayden Daniels LSU stats
Daniels’ two seasons with LSU produced some of the best quarterback numbers in program history.
His LSU career statistics include:
- 6,725 passing yards
- 57 passing touchdowns
- 2,019 rushing yards
- 21 rushing touchdowns
- 8,744 total yards
- 79 total touchdowns
- 26 starts
- 19-7 record as an LSU starter
LSU also notes that Daniels holds the school’s career record for rushing yards by a quarterback. His 1,134 rushing yards in 2023 set the LSU single-season record for a quarterback as well.
Jayden Daniels’ 2023 LSU season
The 2023 campaign transformed Daniels from an outstanding college quarterback into a national superstar.
He completed 236 of 327 passes for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns, throwing only four interceptions. He also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Those numbers helped make him one of the most productive dual-threat quarterbacks in college football history.
One of his most remarkable performances came against Florida. Daniels produced 606 yards of total offense, including 372 passing yards and 234 rushing yards. LSU says he became the first player in FBS history to rush for at least 200 yards and pass for at least 350 yards in the same game.
Did Jayden Daniels win the Heisman?
Yes. Jayden Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy.
He became LSU’s third Heisman winner, following Billy Cannon in 1959 and Joe Burrow in 2019. Daniels was also the 89th winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy.
Daniels received 2,029 points in the final voting and finished ahead of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
His Heisman season was particularly impressive because he contributed as both a passer and runner. The Heisman organization highlighted his 3,812 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Jayden Daniels LSU jersey No. 5
No. 5 became closely associated with Daniels during his LSU career.
After Daniels left LSU for the NFL, the number had not been worn by another Tigers player until DJ Pickett was allowed to wear No. 5 for the 2026 season. Daniels’ jersey has not been officially retired by LSU.
The decision has created controversy because No. 5 is strongly connected with Daniels’ Heisman-winning 2023 campaign.
Who is DJ Pickett at LSU?
DJ Pickett is a sophomore cornerback for LSU who has been given the No. 5 jersey for the 2026 season.
Pickett’s decision to wear the number has become significant because Daniels previously wore No. 5 during his historic LSU career. The situation escalated when Daniels’ representative contacted LSU regarding the use of his name, image and likeness.
Why is Jayden Daniels upset with LSU?
According to reports published on August 13, 2026, Daniels’ representative sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter concerning the school’s use of Daniels’ name, image and likeness.
The dispute centers partly on LSU allowing Pickett to wear No. 5. Daniels’ spokesperson said the Daniels family felt “profoundly disrespected” by the decision.
It is important to separate the jersey-number issue from the question of whether No. 5 was officially retired. Reports indicate that the number was not retired, meaning LSU retained the ability to assign it to another player.
Jayden Daniels and LSU legacy
Despite the current disagreement, Daniels’ accomplishments at LSU are firmly established.
He won the Heisman, became a consensus All-American, earned multiple national player-of-the-year awards and finished his LSU career among the program’s statistical leaders.
He also became the second consecutive LSU quarterback to win the Heisman after Joe Burrow’s 2019 victory, giving the Tigers three Heisman winners overall.
What happened after LSU?
Daniels entered the 2024 NFL Draft after his outstanding LSU career and was selected No. 2 overall by Washington. LSU notes that he became the fourth quarterback in program history selected among the top two picks, joining Bert Jones, JaMarcus Russell and Joe Burrow.
His LSU career therefore represents both individual success and an important part of the program’s recent quarterback tradition.
Final thoughts
Jayden Daniels’ LSU story is built around extraordinary production, a Heisman Trophy and a lasting connection to the No. 5 jersey. His 2023 season remains one of the greatest individual campaigns in LSU football history.
The latest controversy involving DJ Pickett and the No. 5 jersey has put Daniels’ LSU legacy back in the headlines. While the number was not retired, Daniels’ representatives have objected to LSU’s handling of his name, image and likeness.
For LSU fans, the situation is a reminder of just how significant Daniels became during his two seasons in Baton Rouge.
FAQs
Did Jayden Daniels play for LSU?
Yes. Daniels transferred from Arizona State to LSU before the 2022 season and played for the Tigers in 2022 and 2023.
What were Jayden Daniels’ LSU stats?
Daniels finished his LSU career with 6,725 passing yards, 2,019 rushing yards, 8,744 total yards and 79 total touchdowns.
Did Jayden Daniels win the Heisman at LSU?
Yes. Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy and became LSU’s third Heisman winner.
What jersey number did Jayden Daniels wear at LSU?
Daniels wore No. 5 at LSU.
Why is DJ Pickett wearing No. 5 at LSU?
LSU has allowed sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear No. 5 during the 2026 season. The decision has sparked a dispute with Daniels’ representatives.
Is Jayden Daniels’ LSU No. 5 jersey retired?
No. Reports indicate that LSU has not officially retired No. 5.
How high was Jayden Daniels drafted?
Daniels was selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by Washington.
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