LSU sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett will not give up jersey No. 5 amid pushback from former Tigers star and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.
An attorney for Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry on August 5, stating the university can no longer use Daniels’ name, image and likeness. The letter centers on LSU allowing Pickett to wear the number from Daniels’ Heisman season.
A spokesperson said the Daniels family feels deeply disappointed and profoundly disrespected.
“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,” the statement read.
Pickett earned freshman All-American honors in 2025 wearing No. 3 before switching to No. 5 for preseason. He has worn the number since age 4 and was promised it during recruitment under former coach Brian Kelly.
“I’ve worn the number my whole life, since I was 4 years old,” Pickett said Thursday, via ESPN. “It’s the number I was promised. I wish Jayden the best. Good player, and he did real good here. So, that’s all.”
Coach Lane Kiffin said the recruiting promise should be honored. Kelly later told ESPN he held off issuing the number because Daniels was not on board.
Daniels, now with the Washington Commanders, said training camp remains his focus and he hopes any issues with LSU are resolved privately.
