Jayden Daniels, a name now synonymous with electrifying plays and quarterback brilliance, concluded his college football journey in spectacular fashion, culminating in the prestigious 2023 Heisman Trophy. This crowning achievement at Louisiana State University (LSU) followed a significant chapter in his career at Arizona State University (ASU). His dynamic performances on the field paved the way to becoming the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, selected by the Washington Commanders.
But Where Did Jayden Daniels Play College Football before reaching these heights? His collegiate journey is a tale of two universities, each contributing to his development and showcasing his exceptional talent. Let’s delve into the details of Jayden Daniels’ college football career, tracing his path from the West Coast to the SEC spotlight.
Jayden Daniels’ College Football Vitals
Before we explore his college locations, here’s a quick snapshot of Jayden Daniels’ essential details:
Schools: Arizona State University (ASU), Louisiana State University (LSU)
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-4
Weight: 210 pounds
Years Active: 2019-2023
To truly understand his impact, examining his college statistics is crucial. The following table breaks down Jayden Daniels’ year-by-year performance across his college career:
| YEAR | GAMES | COMP | ATT | COMP. % | PASS YDS | PASS TD | INT | RUSH ATT | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | REC TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 (ASU) | 12 | 205 | 338 | 60.7 | 2,943 | 17 | 2 | 125 | 355 | 3 | 0 |
| 2020 (ASU) | 4 | 49 | 84 | 58.3 | 701 | 5 | 1 | 33 | 223 | 4 | 0 |
| 2021 (ASU) | 13 | 197 | 301 | 65.4 | 2,380 | 10 | 10 | 138 | 710 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022 (LSU) | 14 | 266 | 388 | 68.6 | 2,913 | 17 | 3 | 186 | 885 | 11 | 1 |
| 2023 (LSU) | 12 | 236 | 327 | 72.2 | 3,812 | 40 | 4 | 135 | 1,134 | 10 | 0 |
| Career | 55 | 953 | 1,438 | 66.3 | 12,749 | 89 | 20 | 617 | 3,307 | 34 | 1 |
This table highlights Daniels’ consistent growth and explosive final season. But let’s break down his time at each college in more detail.
Arizona State University (2019-2021): Launching His College Career
Jayden Daniels’ college football journey began at Arizona State University. Hailing from San Bernardino, California, Daniels chose ASU after a highly successful high school career. As a true freshman in 2019, he stepped into the starting quarterback role for the Sun Devils, immediately showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
During his three seasons at Arizona State, Daniels demonstrated steady improvement. He consistently displayed his passing accuracy and arm strength, while also utilizing his athleticism to make plays with his legs. While the team experienced mixed results during his tenure, Daniels personally achieved several milestones and gained valuable experience that would prove crucial for his later success.
Jayden Daniels showcasing his quarterback skills during his time with the Arizona State Sun Devils.
In his freshman year at ASU, Daniels threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning Pac-12 Honorable Mention Freshman Offensive Player of the Year honors. He continued to develop over the next two seasons, further refining his skills and leadership abilities. However, after the 2021 season, Daniels decided to seek a new opportunity, transferring to Louisiana State University.
Louisiana State University (2022-2023): Heisman Glory and National Recognition
In 2022, Jayden Daniels made a pivotal move, transferring to LSU. This transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its high level of competition and passionate fan base, proved to be the catalyst for Daniels’ ascent to college football superstardom.
His first season with the LSU Tigers in 2022 was impressive, as he quickly adapted to the new environment and offensive system. He threw for over 2,900 yards and contributed significantly to the team’s success. However, it was his senior year in 2023 that truly cemented his legacy.
In his final college football season, Jayden Daniels delivered a historic performance. He threw for over 3,800 yards and an astounding 40 touchdowns, while also rushing for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns. His exceptional dual-threat ability was on full display, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. This remarkable season culminated in him winning the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious individual award.
Jayden Daniels’ remarkable 2023 season at LSU earned him the coveted Heisman Trophy.
From High School Recruit to College Star
Jayden Daniels’ talent was evident long before his college days. He was a highly-regarded four-star recruit coming out of Cajon High School in California. Ranked as a top-40 player nationally and the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in his class, Daniels had offers from numerous top programs. Ultimately, he chose Arizona State, beginning his college journey on the West Coast.
In high school, Daniels set records and achieved remarkable statistics, throwing for over 14,000 yards and 170 touchdowns, while adding over 3,600 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns. He was recognized as a finalist in the Elite 11 quarterback competition and played in the Under Armour All-American Game, further highlighting his potential.
College Record and Achievements
Across his college career, Jayden Daniels compiled a notable win record. At Arizona State, he contributed to 18 wins in 31 games, including a victory in the 2019 Sun Bowl. His time at LSU saw even greater team success, with a 20-7 record and victories in both the 2023 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl.
Beyond team success, Daniels amassed numerous individual accolades and records:
Records and Rankings:
- LSU Single-Season Records:
- Rushing yards by a QB: 885
- Rushing touchdowns by a QB: 11
- Single-game rushing and passing TDs: 6
- Arizona State Single-Season Record:
- Most 300+ yard passing games: 5
Awards and Honors:
- Heisman Trophy (2023)
- ESPY Award – Best College Athlete, Men’s Sports (2024)
- SEC Male Athlete of the Year (2023-24)
- Davey O’Brien Award (2023)
- Manning Award (2023)
- Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2023)
- AP Player of the Year (2023)
- Sporting News Player of the Year (2023)
- Walter Camp Player of the Year (2023)
- Unanimous First-Team All-American (2023)
- SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2023)
- First-Team All-SEC (2023)
- Sun Bowl MVP (2019)
Conclusion: A Dual-College Legacy
Jayden Daniels’ college football career is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and adaptability. From his initial years at Arizona State, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience, to his spectacular Heisman-winning season at LSU, Daniels consistently demonstrated his ability to excel at the highest level of college football.
So, to answer definitively, Jayden Daniels played college football at both Arizona State University and Louisiana State University. Each institution played a crucial role in shaping him into the exceptional player who is now embarking on his NFL journey. His legacy in college football will be remembered for his dynamic playmaking, record-breaking performances, and the indelible mark he left on both the ASU Sun Devils and the LSU Tigers.
Jayden Daniels’ college football career spanned two prominent universities: Arizona State and LSU.
