An attorney for Jayden Daniels, quarterback for the Washington Commanders, has informed LSU that the university can no longer use his name, image, or likeness. This was detailed in a letter sent to LSU’s athletic director Virge Ausberry on August 5, and a copy was obtained by ESPN on Wednesday.
The crux of the issue seems to stem from LSU allowing cornerback DJ Pickett to wear jersey number 5, a number that holds significance as it was worn by Daniels during his time at LSU, where he claimed the Heisman Trophy in 2023. Interestingly, LSU did not retire the number, making Pickett the first athlete to don it since Daniels moved on to the NFL.
“Daniels’ family feels deeply disappointed by LSU’s choice to assign his jersey number to someone else and views this as a significant slight,” a spokesperson conveyed. “They believed that his number would always be a part of LSU’s legacy, reflecting his profound impact on the university.”
The attorney representing Commanders QB Jayden Daniels told LSU that he could no longer use his name, image or likeness, saying he felt “deeply disrespected” after LSU allowed cornerback DJ Pickett to wear his former No. 5 jersey. https://t.co/GieZ0vWEaM
— ESPN (@espn) August 13, 2026
In response to this situation, Pickett has asserted his intention to retain the number, emphasizing that it was a “promised number.” This declaration has only fueled the ongoing debate within college football.
🚨BREAKING: LSU star cornerback DJ Pickett says he has no intention of relinquishing No. 5 amid controversy surrounding Jaden Daniels.
“It’s the promised number.”
This became one of the biggest controversies in college football.
#5 currently belongs to Pickett. pic.twitter.com/YW3wj3qkaf—MLFootball (@MLFootball) August 13, 2026
Additionally, Matt Moscona from Louisiana Sports Net reported that Daniels’ camp requested the return of his Heisman Trophy, but LSU has indicated no intention to do so.
