How DJ Pickett, a top CFB recruit, landed in the middle of Jayden Daniels' LSU feud

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels made headlines this week over a decision involving his former college, the LSU Tigers, and the use of his name, image, and likeness. The news was detailed by ESPN's Mark Schlabach, who cited that an attorney representing Daniels informed LSU that it can no longer use his name, image and likeness. The statement from Daniels' spokesperson points to LSU's decision to allow sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear the No. 5 jersey that he wore during his Heisman Trophy-winning season in 2023. The situation has several layers worth evaluating, including that Daniels' jersey was not officially retired by the Tigers, but it hadn't been worn since he left school 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." While the issue seems largely focused on the school and its decision to allow Pickett to wear No. 5, it comes after a freshman season in which one of the nation's best recruits debuted with No. 3 last year. However, as ESPN noted, Pickett was wearing No. 5 at the start of preseason practice in early August. This fueled questions directed at new LSU coach Lane Kiffin about the jersey swap. Why DJ Pickett is now wearing No. 5 for LSU Kiffin addressed the topic of Pickett wearing No. 5 while speaking with reporters on August 5, stating that it was "promised to him" during the recruiting process. Kiffin also said that this was done before he became the new LSU coach ahead of the upcoming season, during Brian Kelly's tenure with the team, adding that he didn't "have a decision to make" due to the apparent promises, which ESPN detailed. "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. "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. It wasn't done for whatever [reason]. I'm not going to get into that. "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. So at that point, I don't think that's really my decision. We should honor what he was told." Kelly confirmed to ESPN that was the case but opted not to let Pickett wear it during his freshman season because Daniels wasn't on board with it. In turn, Pickett wound up wearing No. 3 as a freshman. "I just wasn't prepared to do it until we got a full commitment from another Heisman Trophy winner," Kelly said. "We didn't want to issue No. 9, so you can't treat one differently from the other." With Kiffin and Kelly effectively pointing back in the direction of one another regarding the situation, it's Pickett who's left holding the No. 5 now, one that he covets likely due to the fact he wore it as a top high school prospect before heading to LSU. This article originally appeared on For The Win: How DJ Pickett, a top CFB recruit, landed in the middle of Jayden Daniels' LSU feud