Perhaps the most surprising tiff of the 2026 college football season has unfolded this week, with LSU and Jayden Daniels locked in a standoff after the Tigers allowed a player to wear the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner’s former jersey number. It’s a problem to which LSU’s other Heisman recipient this century can’t relate. After his team’s preseason win against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, August 13, Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow, who led the Tigers to a national championship in 2019 while becoming the program’s second-ever Heisman winner, said he had been told by the program that his No. 9 jersey would never be worn again. “They told me they wouldn’t use it again, but you never know what happens,” Burrow said.
"They told me they wouldn't use it again." - Joe Burrow, on LSU football & the number 9 "I don't know enough about the (Jayden Daniels) situation to have any thoughts."#Bengals#LSUpic.twitter.com/S95MoEfFRr — Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) August 14, 2026 REQUIRED READING: Lane Kiffin declines comment on Jayden Daniels' No. 5 jersey saga Though his jersey hasn’t been officially retired by the university, no player has worn No. 9 since Burrow’s final season with the Tigers in 2019. That had been the case for Daniels in the two seasons since he last suited up for LSU, but this season, sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett is listed on the team’s official roster as No. 5 and has been spotted wearing the number in practices this month. In response, an attorney representing Daniels has informed LSU that it can no longer use the Washington Commanders quarterback’s name, image and likeness. A statement from Daniels’ spokesperson noted that “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” and that "Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected.” Notably, LSU has changed coaches since Daniels’ final game in Baton Rouge, with Lane Kiffin getting hired last November to replace Brian Kelly, who coached Daniels in his two seasons with the Tigers. Pickett said Thursday that he has no plans to change numbers, adding that he was promised the number by LSU. Pickett wore No. 3 last season while being named a freshman All-American. Beyond his own experience with his own jersey number, Burrow didn’t have much to add about the ongoing drama between Daniels and the Tigers. “I just heard about it a couple of hours ago,” he said. “I don’t necessarily have too many thoughts at this time. I just don’t know enough about the situation to have any thoughts.” This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Joe Burrow says LSU told him No. 9 won't be worn again amid Jayden Daniels cease and desist