Jayden Daniels Sends Cease-And-Desist To LSU After DJ Pickett Given No. 5

Former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels has sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU informing the school that it can no longer use his name, image, and likeness.

The move comes after LSU gave Daniels' former No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett, with Daniels reportedly saying he felt "profoundly disappointed" by the decision.

Pickett switched from No. 3 to No. 5 after Lane Kiffin said the number had been promised to the five-star defensive back during his recruitment by LSU's previous coaching staff.

Daniels wore No. 5 during his two seasons in Baton Rouge, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2023 before becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Per ESPN:

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While Daniels' jersey hasn't been retired by the Tigers, it's the first time a player has worn No. 5 since he left the program for the NFL.

"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."

Pickett wore a No. 3 jersey during his first season with the Tigers in 2025 when he was named a freshman All-American. He led LSU with three interceptions to go with 37 tackles and one sack in 524 defensive snaps.

Pickett was wearing the No. 5 jersey when the Tigers opened preseason practice last week, leading to questions about why first-year LSU coach Lane Kiffin had allowed the jersey swap to happen.

"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."

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