Jayden Daniels sends LSU a cease-and-desist after Pickett given No. 5

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Former LSU football quarterback Jayden Daniels isn't happy with the Tigers' decision to let LSU cornerback DJ Pickett wear Daniels' No. 5. According to a report from ESPN, an attorney, on behalf of Daniels, sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU saying the university can no longer use Daniels' name, image, and likeness. ESPN reports the letter was sent to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry on Aug. 5.

Daniels spent two years at LSU, leading the Tigers to 10 wins in 2022 before posting historic numbers in 2023, en route to winning the Heisman Trophy.

The No. 5 went unused at LSU in 2024 and 2025, but as LSU began fall camp, Pickett was spotted in the jersey. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin said getting to wear No. 5 "was promised" to Pickett during Pickett's recruitment.

"I'm not going to judge something [that was done] when I wasn't here. But when a kid is promised something to come to a school, he should wear it. So at that point, I don't think that's really my decision. We should honor what he was told," Kiffin said at his weekly press conference.

Pickett signed with LSU in 2025 and wore No. 3 as a freshman. Pickett enjoyed a breakout season with the Tigers and is expected to be among the top defenders in the SEC this fall.

The letter, which ESPN obtained, said Daniels "made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected."

Daniels was the third player in LSU history to win the Heisman Trophy, joining Billy Cannon and Joe Burrow. Cannon's No. 20 is retired and no longer worn. Burrow's No. 9 hasn't been issued since Burrow won the Heisman in 2019, but the No. 9 isn't officially retired.

The letter to LSU is essentially telling the program to stop using Daniels' likeness in any promotional materials.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Jayden Daniels sends LSU a cease-and-desist after Pickett given No. 5

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