LSU Tigers star Jayden Daniels had a historic year that resulted in being named the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner. He officially announced on Monday that he will not take part in another college game, bypassing the team’s upcoming bowl game to prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Daniels had one of the best individual seasons in recent memory for the Tigers, combining for 4,946 total scrimmage yards and 50 total touchdowns.
He will attempt to parlay this excellent season into an NFL career. Daniels posted a video on his social media, expressing his thanks to LSU for their support for him during his time with the team.
“I wanna say thank you to everyone who made this happen,” said Daniels on his time at LSU. “But all great things must come to an end. I feel better about the state of the program with their quarterback moving forward. No matter what, I promise this will not be the last time you see this kid around. Because this is my city and my second home. I love y’all and I’m proud to be a California Bayou boy. Five out!”
Forever LSU! Thank You!💜💛 pic.twitter.com/4bWi2LleeQ
— Jayden (@JayD__5) December 18, 2023
Daniels didn’t outright say that he won’t be playing in LSU’s upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against Wisconsin, but that is indeed the case.
According to Wilson Alexander of Nola.com, Daniels will not be playing in the game but will be there to show his support for his LSU teammates.
Jayden Daniels will come to LSU’s bowl game, even though he won’t be playing. He said he wants to support his teammates.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) December 18, 2023
This decision was expected for the most part from Daniels. High-profile quarterbacks not competing in the College Football Playoff have been frequently opting out of bowl games as of late. The likes of Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and Sam Hartmann have already announced that they will also be missing their respective bowl games.
Now Daniels will focus entirely on finding his future NFL home in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, where he will likely be selected in the first or the second day of the draft.
