Some LSU fans booed former Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels during a jumbotron tribute at Tiger Stadium on Saturday night, as the quarterback's name appeared during an "NFLSU" video highlighting former Tigers in the professional league. The reaction occurred during LSU's 51-10 victory over Clemson.
Daniels and his attorney reportedly sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU in August. The letter, addressed to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry, argued that the university could not continue to use Daniels' name, image, and likeness (NIL). "Accordingly, LSU must immediately cease and desist from any further issue, use, display, publication, distribution, promotion, commercialization, or other exploitation of Mr. Daniels' NIL in any manner or medium," the letter stated, according to reports. It further warned that any use of Daniels' NIL after the university received the notice would be considered knowing and willful and pursued vigorously.
During the tribute, most former LSU players featured in the video received positive reactions from the crowd. However, when Daniels' name appeared, alongside teammate K'Lavon Chaisson, who now plays with Daniels for the Washington Commanders, the cheers were replaced by boos.
Daniels wore number 5 during his tenure at LSU. Sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett is currently wearing the same number for the Tigers this season. Pickett has reportedly stated that he has worn No. 5 throughout his career and that it was promised to him when he committed to LSU. Brian Kelly, who coached Daniels at LSU, was also a primary recruiter for Pickett. Lane Kiffin, who took over the program in 2026, has no past ties to Daniels at LSU, having coached at Ole Miss during Daniels' time in Baton Rouge.
Following Daniels' Heisman Trophy win in 2023, it was widely expected that his No. 5 jersey would be retired by LSU. However, the university has a five-year waiting period before discussions on retiring numbers can commence. Daniels reportedly believed LSU should have sought his permission before allowing another player to wear his number after his departure for the NFL. This contrasts with the situation of Joe Burrow, a Heisman winner and national champion quarterback at LSU, whose No. 9 has not been worn by another player since he was drafted in 2020.