Jayden Daniels has spoken out on the recent controversy between him and his alma mater, LSU. \n In a statement posted on his Instagram story on Thursday, Aug. 13, the former LSU quarterback said he hopes the "issues" between both parties can be handled "privately." Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU, obtained by USA TODAY Sports, stating that the university is not authorized to use his name, image or likeness in any capacity. \n Per the letter, Daniels claims LSU's rights to his NIL expired 180 days following his final college game. \n MATT HAYES: Jayden Daniels thinks he's bigger than LSU. Good luck with that | Opinion \n "I have been locked in on training camp and that's been my number one focus. I have a lot of gratitude for my time at LSU and I'm proud of what my teammates and I accomplished there," Daniels said in a statement on social media on Thursday. "Obviously there are issues to be worked out between my team and LSU and my hope is that it will get done privately." \n
Jayden Daniels’ statement on his Instagram story: “Obviously there are issues to be worked out between my team and LSU and my hope is that it will get done privately” pic.twitter.com/tulU9pIbe7 — John Leuzzi (@ByJohnLeuzzi) August 13, 2026 \n The Washington Commanders quarterback continued by mentioning that his focus is on the upcoming NFL season. \n "My sole personal focus is on Commanders' football. I realize the business of football is unique and I trust this can all be resolved," Daniels continued in his social media statement. \n BRIAN KELLY: Ex-LSU coach explains how Jayden Daniels conversation kept him from giving DJ Pickett No. 5 \n 'This is so weak.' Jayden Daniels' cease-and-desist letter to LSU draws plenty of reaction \n Though the jersey number is not specifically mentioned in the letter, ESPN reports the dispute between Daniels and LSU centers around Tigers sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett's number change from No. 3 to Daniels' No. 5 that he wore in his two seasons in Baton Rouge. \n "The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU's decision to give Jayden's number to another player," Daniels' spokesperson said in a statement in the letter to LSU. "Jayden and his family had every reason to believe his number would remain a meaningful part of his LSU legacy, honored and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university. \n "Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed 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. 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." \n Pickett is the first LSU player to wear No. 5 since Daniels left for the NFL following his Heisman Trophy season in 2023. He was promised by the Tigers' previous coaching staff under Brian Kelly that he could wear No. 5 at LSU in his recruitment. \n Kelly, now a college football analyst for CBS Sports, declined comment to USA TODAY Sports, through a CBS Sports spokesperson. \n DJ PICKETT STATEMENT: LSU cornerback says No. 5 jersey 'promised' to him as Tigers football recruit \n "About the number situation, I've worn the number my whole life," Pickett said on Thursday in a media availability. "Since I was 4 years old. It's something I was promised. I wish Jayden the best. He's a good player, did real good here." \n Before being taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Commanders, Daniels led LSU to back-to-back seasons of at least nine wins following his transfer from Arizona State. In those two seasons in the SEC, Daniels completed 502-of-715 passes (70.2%) for 6,725 yards and 57 touchdowns while rushing for 2,019 yards and 21 touchdowns on 321 carries. \n The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. \n This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jayden Daniels hopes 'issues' with LSU are worked out, handled 'privately'