Jayden Daniels’ dispute with LSU over the use of his name, image and likeness (NIL) has followed the former Tigers quarterback into the 2026 college football season.
One young LSU fan delivered the latest meme on Saturday morning before the Tigers’ season opener against Clemson, appearing on ESPN’s “College GameDay” with a sign mocking Daniels.
“Jayden. Don’t sue me. I’m only 7,” the sign read.
The child was wearing a No. 5 LSU jersey, adding a fun detail to the joke after Daniels sent the university a cease-and-desist letter following the Tigers’ decision to allow sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear the number.
Daniels wore No. 5 during his two seasons at LSU and won the Heisman Trophy in 2023, among many other individual accolades. His number has not been retired, but no Tigers player had worn it since Daniels left for the NFL.
“Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected,” Daniels’ spokesperson said. “His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history.”
First-year LSU coach Lane Kiffin explained that Pickett had been promised the opportunity to wear No. 5 during his recruitment before Kiffin arrived in Baton Rouge, and he’s maintaining that promise.
“When a kid is promised something to come to a school, he should wear it,” Kiffin said. “So at that point, I don’t think that’s really my decision. We should honor what he was told.”
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The controversy had already become social-media material way before Saturday, even with the LSU social account skipping No. 5 — they wrote “4+” instead — during the countdown to the Clemson opener.
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LSU opens its 2026 season against Clemson on Saturday, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
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