Jayden Daniels spent the fall enjoying one of the best seasons in college football. The LSU quarterback ascended as one of the country’s top signal-callers in his second year in Baton Rouge, lifting his team to an impressive season record of 9-3 and 6-2 in the hyper-competitive SEC.
The Heisman finalist and Associated Press college football player of the year was honored on Dec. 7 in Baltimore, where he added another trophy to his collection: the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given once a year to the country’s top upperclassmen quarterback. Even with a stuffed trophy case and rising draft stock to focus on, he still appreciates one of his position’s highest honors.
“It means a lot,” Daniels told Glenn Clark Radio Dec. 7. “… He revolutionized the game with his arm. ‘The Golden Arm’ was his nickname, so obviously knowing that, receiving the trophy is an honor.”
Daniels’ final college season was a massive step up from his only other season in Baton Rouge, his best to that point. He jumped from 2,913 passing yards last year to 3,812 this year, setting new highs in completion percentage (72.2) and touchdowns (40). He also tossed just four interceptions in 12 games.
The Tigers’ offense averaged 46.4 points per game, the highest mark among 133 qualified schools, and the team came in at No. 13 in the Dec. 3 AP poll.
The high-flying offense drew the eyes of several LSU alums and current Baltimore locals, notable Ravens such as Patrick Queen and Odell Beckham Jr., the latter of whom Daniels equated to “a big kid.” Even someone as accomplished as Daniels can appreciate the connections his winning ways and plays have earned him.
“He’s like a big bro. He’s always checking on us,” the quarterback said. “… He texted me after the season, and was like, ‘Congratulations on the season,’ and [told] me if I wanted to go to a game, just let him know.”
Daniels first understood the opportunity this season had to offer after the third game of their season against Mississippi State. Daniels and the Tigers poured 41 points and five touchdowns on the Bulldogs during their first conference matchup of the season. Another blowout win served as further validation of his decision to transfer from Arizona State after the 2021 season.
“The opportunity to play on the biggest stage against the best competition, and then from there, you see what LSU does with wide receivers. … I’m able to go out there and play with great talent. I know it’s going to be first-round talent,” he said.
That decision to enter the portal paired him with top-end weapons, helping him blossom into the efficient touchdown thrower he has grown to become. His journey is reminiscent of Joe Burrow, another quarterback who also found LSU as a transfer before leading an undefeated season and winning the Heisman in 2019.
Burrow, now the face of the Cincinnati Bengals, represents Daniels’ next goal: a top selection in the NFL Draft. To get there, he’ll have to maintain his drive to keep improving his game, as well as continuing to buy into the self-trust that got him a Golden Arm win.
“I always believed in myself,” he said. “That was the biggest thing for me, just having that confidence in myself and then [going] from there. I was able to put in the work and showcase everything, and to have this come to fruition during this season is something I can’t speak words about, just seeing all your work pay off.”
For more from Daniels, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Courtesy of LSU