LSU QB Jayden Daniels Opts Out of Bowl Game Against Wisconsin

Daniels wraps up a legendary career in the purple and gold, Garrett Nussmeier set to carry the torch.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels has opted out of the Tigers' ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against Wisconsin on Jan. 1, he announced via social media on Monday.

Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, wraps up a historic season in Baton Rouge after rewriting the record books. 

Now, redshirt sophomore Garrett Nussmeier looks to carry the torch and start against the Badgers in Tampa.

Daniels made the move to Louisiana and never looked back. After two years in the Bayou State, it's safe to say he's cemented his status as an LSU great. 

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.

The 2023 Numbers:

Daniels put together a record-setting season in 2023, leading the nation in total offense (412.2), touchdown passes (40), TDs responsible for (50) and rushing yards by a quarterback (1,134). His pass efficiency rating of 208.0 through 12 games is the best in FBS history.

The five-time SEC Offensive Player of the Week this year, Daniels is one of only two players in SEC history to pass for 3,500 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season, joining Johnny Manziel who did it in 2012 at Texas A&M.

Daniels is also one of only five players in SEC history to account for 50 touchdowns in a season, joining Heisman Trophy winners Burrow (63), Tim Tebow (55), Cam Newton (51) and Bryce Young (50).

Daniels became the first player in FBS history to pass for 350 yards and rush for 200 yards in a game when he did it in the win over Florida, setting the SEC record for total offense with 606 yards. Daniels passed for 372 yards and rushed for 234 yards in the 52-35 win over the Gators.

A week later, he tied the LSU record for touchdowns in a game with eight (6 passing, 2 rushing) in the win over Georgia State. He tied Burrow’s mark which was set against Oklahoma in 2019.

Daniels accounted for at least four touchdowns in nine games this year, one shy of the school record and he’s reached the 400-yard mark in total offense six times. He joined Burrow as the only players in LSU history to have three 500-yard games of total offense in a season.

Overall, Daniels has thrown for 3,812 yards, connecting on 236-of-327 passes with only four interceptions.

Daniels became the catalyst behind an LSU offense that led the nation in total offense (547.8) and scoring (46.4). The Tigers are the only team in college football to average 300 passing yards and 200 rushing yards a contest. LSU ranks No. 4 nationally in passing yards per game (334.3) and No. 7 in rushing with a 213.5 average.