Kiffin Stands Firm on Pickett Wearing Jayden Daniels' No. 5

LSU coach Lane Kiffin said Thursday he is standing by his decision to let cornerback D.J. Pickett wear the No. 5 jersey once worn by 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, despite objections and legal threats from the former Tigers quarterback.

"I commented a week ago on that," Kiffin said. "That's the comment that I had and we're moving forward."

Pickett, speaking to reporters after Thursday's practice, also showed no interest in giving up the number.

"I've been wearing the number my whole life, since I was 4 years old," Pickett said. "That was the number I was promised. I wish Jayden the best. Good player — he did real good here."

Daniels, drafted second overall by the Washington Commanders in 2024, issued a statement on social media Thursday afternoon saying the dispute would not distract him from training camp.

"I have been locked in on training camp and that has been my No. 1 focus," Daniels said. "I have a lot of gratitude for my time at LSU and I'm proud of what my teammates and I accomplished there. Obviously there are issues to get worked out. My hope is that it will get done privately. ... I realize the business of football is unique and I trust that this can all be resolved."

Daniels' statement followed reports that his Miami-based attorney, Adam Kenner, sent a letter demanding LSU stop using Daniels' name, image and likeness to promote the university or its athletic programs.

Pickett wore No. 3 as a freshman last year but switched to No. 5 when August camp opened. The 6-foot-5 cornerback, a former five-star recruit, had three interceptions in 2025.

Kiffin said last week that Pickett was promised the chance to wear No. 5 when he signed with LSU in December 2024, under former coach Brian Kelly, who was fired in October 2025 before Kiffin was hired.

"When a kid's promised something to come to a school, he should wear it," Kiffin said Aug. 5. "So at that point, I don't think it's really my decision. We should honor what he was told."

Pickett is the first LSU player to wear No. 5 since Daniels left. Under LSU policy, the only number current players cannot wear is No. 20, worn by the late Billy Cannon, the school's first Heisman winner in 1959. Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and other top LSU officials have declined to comment.