LSU Country

Jayden Daniels Reflects on Life-Changing Transfer Decision to LSU

Daniels made the move to Baton Rouge two seasons ago, reflects on the immediate embrace from Louisiana.

Zack Nagy

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LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels' life changed when he made the decision to transfer to Baton Rouge. 

The former Arizona State signal-caller made the move to Louisiana and never looked back. Now, after two years in the Bayou State, he's a Heisman Trophy winner.

After Year 1, there were expectations for Daniels as he entered his second year down South and the entire program made him aware of that. 

“They’ve been saying it since day one. Preseason, fall camp, even after the loss to Florida State. It was probably just after the Florida game that everybody started saying it. They think I’m the best quarterback in the country," Daniels said. "I think I had the best teammates in the country. The support from my team was unbelievable.”

Daniels didn't do it alone. With help from his Joe Moore Award finalist offensive line and AP All-American wide receivers in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., this offense carved defenses routinely.

After winning the Heisman, Daniels made sure to give praise to the entire unit that catapulted his chances of hoisting America's most prestigious honor. 

“I mean, their contribution is second to none. Without them I wouldn't be up here, honestly," Daniels said. "I give all things and credit to them, you know, they put their body on the line to protect me. I love those guys to death.”

Daniels' Heisman speech was one that showed his appreciation for everyone in Baton Rouge. From Brian Kelly to the people who clean the LSU practice facility, Daniels went from top to bottom in giving thanks to those who allowed him to reach this point. 

“I thought it was important because those people don’t get enough recognition for all the hard work they do. Keeping our facility clean, cleaning the toilets, little things like that," Daniels said. "I’m just thankful for them. They’re just giving their all to support us, so I’m thankful for them."

All in all, LSU is becoming a factory for coveted quarterbacks. The Bayou Bengals have seen two Heisman Trophy winners in the last five years with Daniels and Joe Burrow hoisting the trophy with this program showing no signs of slowing down.

The Tigers are the frontrunners to land the No. 1 player in America, Bryce Underwood, who has all the intangibles of becoming a phenomenal quarterback at the next level.

With players of Daniels and Burrow's caliber, it could help change the landscape of LSU recruiting for the foreseeable future. 

Daniels commented on the LSU family, the program and more during his Heisman media run, stating, "Why not LSU?". 

“Why not? LSU you know, just everything that they've done for me. Platform based and everything, you know,” Daniels said. “Just so many greats have come through this program. I'm just happy to be a part of a blue collar program like this."

The decision to transfer from Arizona State changed the trajectory of Daniels' career in a myriad of ways. After a dominant 2023 campaign, the Tiger great is now on his way to becoming a high first round draft selection in the 2024 NFL Draft while solidifying his status as one of college football's greats. 

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Zack Nagy
ZACK NAGY

Zack Nagy is the Managing Editor and Publisher of LSU Country, a Sports Illustrated Publication. Nagy has covered Tiger Football, Basketball, Baseball and Recruiting, looking to keep readers updated on anything and everything involving LSU athletics. 

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