Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels has taken legal action against his old school after LSU handed his No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett.
Daniels sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter telling the school it can no longer use his name, image and likeness. The move followed LSU’s decision to move Pickett from No. 3 to No. 5, the same number Daniels wore during his two seasons in Baton Rouge.
Daniels reportedly said he felt “profoundly disappointed” by the switch. A statement from his spokesperson made the family’s stance even clearer: “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’s number change came after Lane Kiffin said the No. 5 had been promised to the five-star defensive back during his recruitment by LSU’s previous coaching staff. Pickett had worn No. 3 as a freshman in 2025, when he was named a freshman All-American and led LSU with three interceptions. He added 37 tackles and one sack across 524 defensive snaps.
The jersey swap has also raised eyebrows because Pickett was already in No. 5 when LSU opened preseason practice last week, prompting questions about why first-year coach Lane Kiffin had allowed it to happen.
Daniels’ LSU legacy is not in dispute. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 before going No. 2 overall in the NFL Draft. His No. 5 has not been retired by the Tigers, but it was the first time another player had worn it since he left for the NFL.
Daniels’ side said he had made his wishes clear. “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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