Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels has taken formal action against his old school, sending a cease-and-desist letter to LSU and telling the university it can no longer use his name, image, and likeness.
The move follows LSU’s decision to hand Daniels’ old No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett. Daniels was reportedly “profoundly disappointed” by that choice.
Pickett changed from No. 3 to No. 5 after Lane Kiffin said the number had been promised to the five-star defensive back during his recruitment by LSU’s previous coaching staff.
Daniels wore No. 5 across his two seasons in Baton Rouge, then capped his LSU run by winning the Heisman Trophy in 2023 before going No. 2 overall in the NFL Draft. As ESPN noted, while Daniels’ jersey has not been retired, this is the first time someone has worn No. 5 since he left for the NFL.
“The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU's decision to give Jayden's number to another player,” the statement from Daniels' spokesperson said. “Jayden and his family had every reason to believe that his number would remain a meaningful part of his LSU legacy and would be honored and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university.”
Pickett wore No. 3 in his first season with the Tigers in 2025, when he was named a freshman All-American. He also led LSU with three interceptions, adding 37 tackles and one sack in 524 defensive snaps.
When LSU opened preseason practice last week, Pickett was already in No. 5, which raised questions about why first-year LSU coach Lane Kiffin had allowed the switch.
“Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected,” the statement said. “His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history. To see his number given to another player is incredibly disappointing and feels like a failure to honor the significance of what Jayden accomplished at LSU.”
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