Jayden Daniels “feels profoundly disrespected” by LSU’s decision to allow sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear No. 5 and says the school can no longer use his name, image and likeness. A cease and desist letter sent from Daniels’s attorney to LSU athletics director Verge Ausberry has been obtained by ESPN.
“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.”
Daniels won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 with LSU not issuing his number in the subsequent seasons.
“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.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin said last week the number was promsied to Pickett during his recruitment and that promise should be honored. Pickett wore No. 3 during his freshman season in 2025.
Former LSU coach Brian Kelly told ESPN the number was promised to Pickett, but he chose not to issue it. “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.”
Joe Burrow’s No. 9 has not been issued since his Heisman season in 2019.
Neither Nos. 5 or 9 are officially retired by the university. Billy Cannon’s No. 20 is the only number that cannot be worn again. Tommy Casanova (37), Jerry Stovall (21) and Charles Alexander (4) have their jerseys retired, but their numbers are still in circulation. Bert Jones’s No. 7 will be honored with the others this fall in a cermony during the Texas game in Tiger Stadium.
LSU’s official policy is to honor players with a jersey retirement, while still issuing the numbers. The only other numbers that can’t be worn again are Bob Pettit’s No. 50, Pete Maravich’s No. 23, Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 33 and Skip Bertman’s No. 15.
Daniels won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 after leading LSU to a 10-3 season with 3,812 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
LSU has not commented publicly on the letter from Daniels’s representative.
