LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels completed an improbable journey on Saturday night, being named the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner after overcoming personal tragedy and transferring twice during his college career. The dynamic dual-threat quarterback beat out finalists Bo Nix of Oregon and Michael Penix Jr. of Washington to claim college football’s most prestigious individual honor.
Daniels Perseveres Through Adversity to Reach Pinnacle
Daniels endured unimaginable hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, losing three close family members over the course of just a few months in 2020. The tragic losses took a heavy toll on Daniels, who considered giving up football entirely. However, with the support of his family and coaches, Daniels found the strength to continue chasing his dreams.
He began his college career at Arizona State in 2019, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling with consistency for the Sun Devils. Looking for a change of scenery, Daniels entered the transfer portal after the 2021 season and shocked the college football world by choosing to transfer to LSU.
Daniels had an immediate impact in Baton Rouge, leading the Tigers to a 10-4 record in 2022. But few foresaw Daniels having the type of historically great season he produced as a senior in 2023.
| Season | School | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Total TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | LSU | 4125 | 825 | 50 |
| 2022 | LSU | 2956 | 818 | 32 |
| 2021 | Arizona State | 2863 | 710 | 17 |
| 2020 | Arizona State | 798 | 192 | 5 |
| 2019 | Arizona State | 2838 | 355 | 17 |
Daniels re-wrote the LSU and SEC record books in 2023, accounting for 50 total touchdowns while leading the Tigers to an SEC Championship and College Football Playoff berth. His inspirational leadership and unrelenting will to win made him the clear choice as the Heisman winner.
Emotional Daniels Dedicates Heisman to Late Family
An emotional Daniels fought back tears during his Heisman acceptance speech, dedicating the award to his late grandparents and uncle who died during the pandemic. He credited their memory for giving him the strength to keep pursuing football glory when he felt like giving up.
Daniels also thanked his coaches, teammates, and the LSU community for welcoming him with open arms when he needed it most after leaving Arizona State.
“I wouldn’t be here without everyone who supported me,” Daniels said. “This award represents the love I received from my LSU family when I had lost so much.”
Daniels joins an exclusive club as just the third LSU Tiger to win the Heisman, joining Billy Cannon in 1959 and Joe Burrow in 2019. Burrow offered encouragement to Daniels leading up to the ceremony, telling him to “enjoy every little moment.”
LSU head coach Brian Kelly heaped praise on his quarterback, calling him “the ultimate competitor and teammate.” He lauded Daniels for his poise under pressure and commitment to improve.
Meanwhile, Daniels remains firmly grounded despite reaching the pinnacle of college football. He plans to celebrate his Heisman win by picking up a shift at Raising Cane’s in Times Square, sticking to a promise he made to his teammates earlier in the year.
What’s Next for Daniels After Heisman Glory?
All eyes now turn to Daniels’ future, as his stock has skyrocketed going into the 2023 NFL Draft. Most draft analysts project Daniels as a potential first round pick. His athleticism, playmaking improvisation outside the pocket, and winning intangibles have evaluators seeing a potential franchise quarterback.
Daniels heads into the College Football Playoff semifinals with a chance to further boost his draft profile. He could become just the second Heisman winner to also lead his team to a national championship in the same season. An SEC title and playoff win would cement Daniels’ LSU legacy as one of the all-time greats in program history.
No matter what happens from here, Daniels has already achieved rarefied air in college football lore. His extraordinary journey of overcoming heartbreaking loss and transfers to achieve his dream of winning the Heisman Trophy will serve as an inspiration to many for years to come.
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