LSU coach Lane Kiffin said Thursday that he is standing by his initial stance on allowing cornerback D.J. Pickett to wear the No. 5 jersey previously worn by 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels — even in the face of objections and legal threats from the former Tigers quarterback. Meanwhile Daniels has issued a new statement in a social media post in which the Washington Commanders QB says the matter will not affect his preparation for coming NFL season. Pickett wore No. 3 last year but has worn No. 5 since preseason camp opened last week. That's when Kiffin said Pickett was promised a chance to wear No. 5 by the staff of previous Tigers coach Brian Kelly.

A representative for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has told LSU it can no longer use the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner’s name, image and likeness. ESPN got a copy of the letter that was sent to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry and said Daniels’ decision stems from the school’s decision to allow cornerback D.J. Pickett to wear a No. 5 jersey. That’s the number Daniels wore during his two seasons at LSU. This would mark the first time an LSU player has worn No. 5 since Daniels’ departure. The school hadn't retired the jersey.

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Colorado head coach Deion Sanders looks on during a practice at an NCAA college football training camp in Fountain, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado head coach Deion Sanders looks on during a practice at an NCAA college football training camp in Fountain, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado head coach Deion Sanders looks on during a practice at an NCAA college football training camp in Fountain, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado head coach Deion Sanders looks on during a practice at an NCAA college football training camp in Fountain, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)