LSU fifth-year senior quarterback Jayden Daniels has won the 2023 Heisman Trophy after leading the Tigers to a 9-3 record and becoming one of the nation’s most electrifying players.
Daniels was one of four finalists, beating out Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (second), Oregon quarterback Bo Nix (third), and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (fourth) in the closest Heisman vote since 2018 for college football’s most prestigious honor.
“This is a dream come true,” Daniels began his acceptance speech. “I want to first give thanks to God for all the glories. My rock, my savior. He blessed me with the talents and ability to get here and all the special people here to develop these skills. To Mike, Bo, and Marvin, you guys are amazing. I enjoy watching, but the competition is never over. I look forward to seeing you guys on Sundays.”
The four finalists were the only players invited to Saturday’s ceremony in New York, but the Heisman Trust announces the top 10 finishers for the award each year. Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, Oklahoma State running back and Euless Trinity High School alum Ollie Gordon II, Missouri running back Cody Schrader, and Michigan running back Blake Corum and quarterback JJ McCarthy also received votes for the award.
Daniels became the 89th winner of the award, taking his place in college football history as past Heisman winners welcomed him in New York City. In his second season at LSU after transferring from Arizona State, Daniels finished among the country’s leaders in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and most other notable quarterback statistics while being the only quarterback among the top 25 rushers in the nation.
Daniels is a former four-star quarterback recruit who has been a starter since his freshman year at Arizona State. Since joining LSU, he has helped head coach Brian Kelly restore the program and become a contender in the SEC, even though the Tigers fell short of the conference championship game this season.
He is the third Heisman winner from LSU, joining fellow quarterback Joe Burrow (2019) and running back Billy Cannon (1959). The Tigers will play Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 1, and Daniels has yet to announce if he will participate before he heads to the NFL.
