An ongoing NIL dispute between LSU and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to generate online discussion. As the controversy continues to make discussions, LSU posted a practice highlight video on Monday that many in the football fraternity interpreted as a subtle shot at their former player.
The video surfaced shortly after the program reissued Daniels’ former No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback D.J. Pickett for the 2026 season.
New D.J. Pickett Video Has Fans Talking Amid Jayden Daniels’ NIL Dispute
Daniels’ representatives formally requested the program to halt the commercial use of his name, image, and likeness after the university assigned the No. 5 jersey to Pickett. While Daniels later released a statement expressing hope that the matter could be resolved privately, the dispute remains a prominent story across college football.
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He later released a statement expressing hope that the disagreement could be settled privately between his camp and LSU. Although both Lane Kiffin and Brian Kelly addressed the situation separately, the controversy has remained one of the biggest talking points in college football.
Meanwhile, LSU’s official X account added more fuel to the conversation on Monday by posting a practice highlight featuring Pickett wearing the No. 5 jersey. The clip showed the sophomore cornerback making an interception, returning the ball upfield, and celebrating with teammates after the play.
The post quickly drew reactions across the community, with several X users calling the timing intentional.
“This feels like an attack on Jayden Daniels,” a fan wrote.
“Choices being made!” TNT Sports’ CFB analyst Mike Golic Jr. wrote.
Another fan shared a hilarious meme noting how Daniels would feel watching the clip.
Daniels, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had an iconic 2023 season in Baton Rouge, winning the Heisman Trophy while posting a nation-leading 99.4 PFN QB impact score. Despite his credentials, the recent legal notice has turned the jersey situation into a talking point across social media.
As for Pickett, he is likely to get more attention after the No. 5 controversy. However, he is well-equipped to handle the spotlight after a great freshman season in 2025. He played in all 13 games, logging 524 defensive snaps, recording 37 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and one sack, and led the Tigers with 3 interceptions, according to official LSU records.
Following LSU’s latest highlight video, plenty of fans argued that Pickett has already proven worthy of wearing the prestigious jersey.
“Best player to ever wear #5 at LSU,” a fan said.
“Non-ball knowers will try to tell you that a 6’5 corner can’t be elite; they don’t know he’s just different,” LSU alum Lauren Chris wrote.
“Don’t worry they finna change that 5 to a 7 real quick! Kid a baller,” a netizen said.
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Pickett’s breakout freshman season also earned him Freshman All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) as well as Freshman All-SEC recognition. With training camp underway, the Tigers plan to keep Pickett in the No. 5 jersey as they prepare for their season opener under new head coach Lane Kiffin.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.