Jayden Daniels Responds to LSU Jersey Dispute in IG Post Following Comments from DJ Pickett

Jayden Daniels has released a statement following a cease-and-desist letter he sent to his former school, LSU, this week.

Daniels said he has "a lot of gratitude" for his time at LSU but added that there are "issues to be worked out" between his team and the school. He also said his "sole personal focus" is on the 2026 season with the Washington Commanders.

The comments come after LSU allowed cornerback D.J. Pickett to wear a No. 5 jersey, the same number Daniels wore with the Tigers when he won the Heisman Trophy.

Pickett addressed the situation on Thursday, saying he was promised the number when he committed to play for LSU in 2024.

"I wore the number my whole life, since I was four years old," he said. "It's the number I was promised. I wish Jayden the best; he's a good player, he was real good here. That's all."

While Daniels' jersey is not yet retired by LSU, no player has worn it since the 2023 season — Daniels' final collegiate season and the year he was named the Heisman Trophy winner.

Daniels and the Commanders begin the preseason on Friday with a matchup against the Miami Dolphins before starting the regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 13.