Representatives for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels have notified LSU the university is not authorized to use Daniels' name, image, or likeness in any capacity. According to a copy of the letter obtained by ESPN, Daniels’ spokesperson informed Tigers athletic director Verge Ausberry the cease-and-desist order comes after the university allowed sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear the No. 5 jersey, the same number Daniels wore during his time at LSU. Pickett will be the first player to wear No. 5 since Daniels won the Heisman Trophy in 2023. Despite being the third Heisman Trophy winner in LSU history, Daniels’ jersey number has not been retired by the Tigers. "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. "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."
Pickett originally wore the No. 3 jersey in 2025 during his first season with the Tigers and was named a freshman All-American after leading LSU with three interceptions and 35 tackles. Pickett changed numbers after his freshman year; he was promised the No. 5 jersey upon signing with the Tigers in 2024 as a top recruit, a number he wore in high school in Zephyrhills, Florida. Daniels spent three seasons at Arizona State before transferring to LSU. He won the Heisman Trophy after passing for 3,812 yards with 40 touchdowns and rushing for 1,134 yards with 10 rushing touchdowns, helping the Tigers to a 10-3 record in 2023. "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 said. "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." More: NFL record projections 2026: AI makes win-loss picks for all 32 teams Daniels was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jayden Daniels sends cease-and-desist letter to LSU over No. 5 jersey