Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels participated in a joint scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday. Later that night, a controversy emerged between Daniels and his alma mater, the LSU Tigers.
Daniels, who began his career at Arizona State, played his final two seasons at LSU in 2022 and 2023. During his time at LSU, Daniels completed 70% of his passes, with 6,725 passing yards, 57 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Daniels also rushed for 2,019 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Tigers.
In 2023, he won the Heisman Trophy. He was only the third Heisman winner in LSU history, joining Billy Cannon and Joe Burrow.
According to ESPN's Mark Schlabach, Daniels' representatives sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU regarding
his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). The dispute between Daniels and LSU reportedly involves the No. 5 Daniels wore at LSU. New LSU coach Lane Kiffin gave the number to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett, who was promised the number while he was being recruited by LSU's former coaching staff.
An attorney representing Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has informed LSU that it can no longer use his name, image and likeness, according to an Aug. 5 letter sent to Tigers athletic director Verge Ausberry, via ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.https://t.co/WmlpjvkEYE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2026
Per Schlabach's report, Daniels felt disrespected that LSU gave out his number, comparing his situation to Joe Burrow's. Burrow won the Heisman Trophy in 2019, and his No. 9 has not been issued since he left for the NFL. Neither jersey has been retired by the Tigers.
While Daniels' representatives initially released a statement, Daniels himself posted on his personal Instagram, saying his "sole personal focus is on Commanders' football" and that he hopes and trusts the situation can be resolved.
Jayden Daniels addresses the LSU situation via Instagram: "My sole personal focus is on Commanders' football." pic.twitter.com/aml39GGHZ2
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 13, 2026
The Commanders open the preseason on Friday, as they host the Dolphins. The 2026 NFL season begins on Sept. 13, when Washington travels to Philadelphia.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Jayden Daniels releases statement on dispute with LSU
