Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has revoked LSU's right to use his name, image and likeness, notifying the university in a letter sent Aug. 5. Daniels' attorney addressed the letter to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry. The dispute centers on LSU allowing sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear Daniels' former No. 5 jersey.
Daniels won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 wearing No. 5 for the Tigers. His jersey has not been retired by the program. LSU's decision marks the first time a player has worn No. 5 since Daniels left for the NFL.
A spokesperson for Daniels said the family feels disrespected by LSU's choice. "The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU's decision to give Jayden's number to another player," the 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," the spokesperson said. Daniels made his preference clear, expecting his wishes would be respected.
"His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history," the spokesperson added. "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."
First-year LSU coach Lane Kiffin addressed the situation Aug. 5, the same day Daniels' letter was sent. Kiffin told reporters that Pickett was promised the No. 5 jersey during his recruitment. Pickett signed with the Tigers in December 2024.
"DJ is in [No.] 5, and that was a situation that was promised to him in recruiting here, for him to sign here," Kiffin said. He said he had conducted research with Pickett's family and representatives regarding the commitment.
"Really I didn't have a decision to make. It was promised to the kid," Kiffin said. He added that the promise was made before his arrival: "I'm not going to judge something [that was done] when I wasn't here. But when a kid is promised something to come to a school, he should wear it."
Pickett wore No. 3 during his freshman season in 2025. He earned freshman All-American honors and led LSU with three interceptions, 37 tackles and one sack across 524 defensive snaps. He wore No. 5 during preseason practice last week.
Pickett wore No. 5 in high school in Zephyrhills, Florida, where he was ranked the No. 2 cornerback in the Class of 2025 by ESPN Recruiting.
LSU's athletic department spokesman declined to comment.
A comparison point: former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow has not had his No. 9 worn since 2019. Burrow won the Heisman Trophy that year and led the Tigers to a 15-0 record and a College Football Playoff national championship. Daniels' move draws a sharp contrast with how LSU has handled that number.
