Washington Commanders quarterback and LSU alum Jayden Daniels has informed his alma mater that the school can no longer use his name, image and likeness.
According to ESPN, Daniels issued a cease and desist order to Tigers athletic director Verge Ausberry, arguing that issuing his old number, 5, to current LSU cornerback DJ Pickett is an infringement upon Daniels' NIL rights.
Daniels' jersey hasn't been retired by the Tigers, but Pickett's use of the number would be the first time a player has worn No. 5 since Daniels 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 No. 3 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 wore No. 5 to open 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."
Kiffin told reporters Aug. 5 that Pickett had been promised he could wear No. 5 when he signed with the Tigers in December 2024.
"DJ is in [No.] 5, and that was a situation that was promised to him in recruiting here, for him to sign here," Kiffin said. "I've done a lot of research on that with the family and the representatives and the people, so really I didn't have a decision to make. It was promised to the kid. It wasn't done for whatever [reason]. I'm not going to get into that.
Former coach Brian Kelly told ESPN that he did believe the jersey was promised to Pickett, but he chose not to give the jersey to him because Daniels wasn't on board with the decision.
In the cease and desist letter sent to LSU, Daniels' attorney made the case that the Tigers are not permitted to use his NIL.
"Accordingly, LSU must immediately cease and desist from any further issue use, display, publication, distribution, promotion, commercialization, or other exploitation of Mr. Daniels' NIL in any manner or medium," Kenner wrote. "Any use of Mr. Daniels' NIL occurring after LSU's receipt of this notice will be deemed knowing and willful and will be pursued vigorously through all available legal and equitable remedies, without further notice.
