Jayden Daniels is an American football quarterback for the Washington Commanders. He played college football for Arizona State (2019-2021) and LSU (2022-2023), where his dual-threat abilities led to a Heisman Trophy win in 2023. He led college football in total yards and had 50 total touchdowns that season.
Billy Cannon was the first LSU player to win the Heisman Trophy, doing so in 1959.
The 1983 NFL draft saw a record number of quarterbacks taken in the first round, a record tied by the 2024 draft when Daniels was drafted.
The Commanders had not appeared in an NFC Championship Game since 1991, before Jayden Daniels led them there in his rookie season in 2024.
Jayden Daniels was born on December 18, 2000.
Tress Way had worn the number 5 jersey for the Commanders since 2014 before Daniels acquired it.
Daniels began his high school football career at Cajon High School in 2015, starting on the varsity team as a freshman despite being undersized.
During his sophomore season in 2016, Daniels broke the little finger of his throwing hand but continued to play.
In 2017, Daniels set a state record with over 6,400 total yards during his junior season, leading his team to a league championship and state finals appearance.
Daniels committed to Arizona State University in December 2018.
As a senior in 2018, Daniels led his team to another league championship and received the Ken Hubbs Award, given to top high school athletes in the San Bernardino area.
Daniels graduated from Cajon High School and enrolled at ASU in January 2019.
Joe Burrow became the second LSU player to win the Heisman in 2019.
Jayden Daniels began his college football career at Arizona State University in 2019, starting as a true freshman and setting a freshman total yards record.
The 2020 football season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Daniels and the Sun Devils playing only four games.
Daniels led the team to an appearance in the 2021 Las Vegas Bowl.
In 2021, Daniels led the Pac-12 in completion percentage.
Daniels entered the transfer portal in February 2022 after several ASU coaches were fired due to an NCAA investigation.
Daniels officially transferred to LSU in March 2022 and was later named the starting quarterback.
Jayden Daniels transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2022.
Daniels won the Heisman Trophy and other player of the year awards in 2023, leading college football in total yards and setting an FBS single-season passer rating record.
In the 2023 Citrus Bowl, Daniels contributed to a significant win against Purdue, even catching a touchdown pass. He was also named the team's MVP after a successful season.
Daniels signed his rookie contract with the Washington Commanders on June 14, 2024.
Daniels opted out of the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl to prepare for the upcoming NFL draft.
In 2024, Daniels had a historic rookie season with the Washington Commanders, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, making the Pro Bowl, setting several records including most rushing yards by a rookie QB, and leading the Commanders to a successful season.