DJ Pickett responds to Jayden Daniels’ objection to wearing No. 5
By Andrew Olson
Published:
DJ Pickett wishes Jayden Daniels well, but the LSU cornerback will wear No. 5 this season.
Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy at LSU wearing No. 5, sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter regarding the use of his name, image and likeness after Pickett was granted his request to wear the number in 2026. Daniels cannot legally prevent Pickett from wearing No. 5.
Pickett says he was promised the No. 5 while being recruited. Former LSU coach Brian Kelly, however, did not follow through on the promise after Daniels objected. Speaking to ESPN, Kelly noted that no LSU player had worn No. 9 after Joe Burrow won the Heisman in 2019. First-year coach Lane Kiffin elected to honor the promise.
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Pickett was asked about the controversy on Thursday.
“I’ve worn the number my whole life, since I was 4 years old. It’s the number I was promised,” Pickett said. “I wish Jayden the best. (He’s a) good player, did real good here. That’s all.”
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#LSU cornerback DJ Pickett took the podium following Day 8 of Fall Camp to address the Jayden Daniels situation.
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) August 13, 2026
Pickett wishes Daniels the best – but will remain in No. 5.
“It’s the number I was promised.”
Pickett’s entire statement from Thursday: pic.twitter.com/7quUGqopAs
Pickett’s father said the cease-and-desist from Daniels to LSU makes the family more firm in their stance on DJ wearing the No. 5. Pickett and the Bayou Bengals take the field on Sept. 5 to face Clemson.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
