Jayden Daniels spent the final two years of his college career at LSU before entering the NFL in 2024 with the Washington Commanders.

Jayden Daniels wore No. 5 throughout both of his seasons at LSU, including his Heisman Trophy-winning 2023 campaign. (AP)

While athletes often maintain a strong and lasting connection with their alma mater, Daniels’ relationship with LSU appears to have taken an unexpected turn following recent developments.

After Daniels left LSU for the NFL, the school did not retire the jersey number. However, No. 5 remained unassigned and had not been worn by another player until recently.

LSU has reportedly given sophomore DJ Pickett permission to switch to No. 5, the same number Daniels wore throughout his two seasons with the Tigers. Pickett previously suited up in No. 3, but ESPN reported that he was seen practicing in a No. 5 jersey last week, signaling the change.

According to ESPN, Daniels’ lawyer sent LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry a cease-and-desist letter on Aug. 5.

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The document states that the university’s NIL agreement with Daniels only permitted LSU to use his name, image and likeness for 180 days after his final college game.

Attorney Kenner subsequently demanded that LSU "immediately cease and desist" from any continued use or commercial exploitation of Daniels’ NIL rights.

"The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU's decision to give Jayden's number to another player," the statement from Daniels' spokesperson said.

"Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected," the statement said.

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“His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history. To see his number given to another player is incredibly disappointing and feels like a failure to honor the significance of what Jayden accomplished at LSU,” it added.

"I have a lot of gratitude for my time at LSU and I'm proud of what my teammates and I accomplished there," Daniels wrote.

"Obviously there are issues to be worked out between my team and LSU and my hope is that it will get done privately," he further mentioned.