LSU QB Jayden Daniels overcomes being out of playoff hunt to win Heisman Trophy with prolific season

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Jayden Daniels, LSU’s electrifying quarterback, clinched the Heisman Trophy on Saturday, marking a rare achievement for a player from a team that missed the conference championship battle. Not since 2016 has a player secured this accolade under similar circumstances.

Transferring from Arizona State to LSU in 2022, Daniels, in his fifth year, garnered 503 first-place votes and amassed 2,029 points, thanks to his remarkable performance of 50 touchdowns and close to 5,000 total yards in only 12 games.

Daniels expressed his elation during his acceptance speech, acknowledging this as a realization of a lifelong dream.

At the award ceremony in New York, Daniels, a Heisman Trophy finalist, addressed the media, where Michael Penix Jr. from Washington was announced as the runner-up with 292 first-place votes and 1,701 points. Oregon’s Bo Nix ranked third, followed by Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr.

Dressed in a stylish light gray suit, Daniels momentarily bowed his head upon hearing his name announced. Although he was the anticipated winner, the confirmation brought him relief. Throughout his speech, Daniels remained poised, extending gratitude to everyone from his teammates to the support staff at LSU.

Daniels, who will turn 23 on December 18, had already been named AP Player of the Year earlier in the week. He joins a recent trend of transfer quarterbacks claiming the Heisman, a list that includes former LSU star Joe Burrow and USC’s Caleb Williams.

He praised his teammates from both Arizona State and LSU, acknowledging their role in his journey. Daniels is the third LSU player to win the Heisman, joining the ranks of Billy Cannon and others.

Despite LSU’s exclusion from the championship race following two early-season losses, Daniels was not at fault. He expressed regret for not bringing another championship to LSU but remained a standout performer.

Daniels excelled in both passing (3,812 yards) and running (1,134), leading the nation in total offense with an average of 412 yards per game and an impressive 10.71 yards per play.

LSU, currently ranked 13th, is preparing to face Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 1. Daniels has not yet decided on participating in this final college game. His next potential step could be the NFL draft combine.

Lamar Jackson was the last Heisman winner from a team that lost three games and did not compete for a conference title. Traditionally, Heisman voters have favored players from College Football Playoff contenders, but Daniels’ extraordinary season made him an undeniable choice.

After LSU’s loss to Alabama, which effectively ended their championship aspirations, the team rallied behind Daniels, recognized by coach Brian Kelly as the best player in college football.

Daniels’ performance remained in the spotlight even as LSU faded from playoff contention. He made history against Florida, becoming the first major college football player to achieve at least 350 yards passing and 200 rushing in a game.

Daniels’ journey from a four-star recruit at Arizona State to a Heisman winner at LSU under coach Brian Kelly exemplifies his growth and adaptability. Kelly praised Daniels for winning over the team through hard work and humility.

Daniels’ leadership took LSU to an SEC West title last year, and his decision to return for a fifth season put him in the Heisman conversation, ultimately leading to his triumph in the race.

While other contenders like Nix, Penix, and Harrison were engaged in high-stakes games with playoff implications, Daniels remained the frontrunner, outperforming his rivals to secure the Heisman Trophy.

For more detailed coverage and updates, follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.appodcasts.com.

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