Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels issued a cease-and-desist letter to Louisiana State University regarding his name, image, and likeness after the school assigned his iconic No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback D.J. The notice, sent on Aug. 5 to LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry, demands that the university halt any further use of Daniels’ name, image, and likeness.
The Dispute Over LSU Jersey No. 5
Daniels captured the Heisman Trophy in Baton Rouge during the 2023 season, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns before the Washington Commanders selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft. Although LSU did not officially retire his jersey, the No. 5 hadn’t been worn by another player since his departure—until Pickett appeared in the number during the opening of preseason practices ahead of the 2026 campaign.
According to a statement from Daniels’ spokesperson provided to ESPN, the quarterback and his family feel profoundly disrespected by the decision. “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 read. “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.”
Recruiting Promises and Coaching Explanations
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin addressed the jersey assignment on Aug. 5, explaining that the number had been promised to Pickett during his recruitment. “DJ is in [No.] 5, and that was a situation that was promised to him in recruiting here, for him to sign here,” Kiffin told reporters, according to ESPN and WBRZ. “I’ve done a lot of research on that with the family and the representatives and the people, so really I didn’t have a decision to make. It was promised to the kid.”
Pickett, a former five-star recruit and freshman All-American who recorded three interceptions and 37 total tackles last season while wearing No. 3, was recruited under former head coach Brian Kelly. Kelly confirmed to ESPN that the number had indeed been promised to Pickett during his recruitment. However, Kelly explained that he chose not to issue the number during his tenure because he “wasn’t prepared to do it until we got a full commitment from another Heisman winner.”
Precedent and Legacy in Baton Rouge
According to ESPN, Daniels’ camp also expressed frustration that the treatment of his legacy differs from that of fellow LSU Heisman winner Joe Burrow. Burrow led the Tigers to a national championship in the 2019 season, and his No. 9 jersey has remained unissued since. Kelly noted the parallel during discussions with ESPN, stating, “We didn’t want to issue No. 9, so you can’t treat one differently from the other.”
LSU finished the previous season with a 7-6 record, leading to the hiring of Kiffin from Ole Miss. The Tigers are scheduled to open their 2026 season against Clemson on Sept. 5, with Pickett expected to take the field wearing the contested number.
Keep reading