LSU football legend shares thoughts on Heisman race

The Tigers of Baton Rouge are becoming no stranger to the Heisman race. Over the last decade or so, the program has had several contenders come through, putting up incredible numbers. Earlier this week, LSU football legend Tyrann Mathieu shared his thoughts on the latest Heisman hopeful, quarterback Jayden Daniels.

LSU football legend Tyrann Mathieu shares thoughts on quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Heisman

In 2011, many shared the feeling that LSU football legend Tyrann Mathieu was robbed of the Heisman. He was at a disadvantage being on the defensive side of the ball, but there’s no doubt he, at the very least, had a solid argument.

As a sophomore, he did just about everything for the Tigers. He recorded 77 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, two interceptions and even returned 34 punts for 421 yards and two touchdowns.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, and he would finish fifth in the final vote. However, Joe Burrow would go on to win it eight years later in 2019, and now, in 2023, LSU football has another potential candidate in quarterback Jayden Daniels.

“I’m pretty sure his odds were much better than mine was. I think he’s pretty much in the driver’s seat right now,” the LSU football legend said when asked about his chances of winning the award.

I asked 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist Tyrann Mathieu about @LSUfootball QB Jayden Daniels and the @HeismanTrophy race this season – which, in my opinion, JD5 deserves to win! pic.twitter.com/okIuzk6azC

— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) November 23, 2023

“He’s had a phenomenal year. Obviously, I follow LSU closely, but definitely feel like he’s one of those players that has come into his own over the course of his career. So, hats off to him, hats off to all the people over there coaching him up.”

The improvement Daniels has shown in his fifth year has been nothing short of astonishing. In his first year in Baton Rouge, he recorded 3,798 total yards and 28 touchdowns. The numbers were solid, but not quite as impressive compared to 2023.

Through 11 games this season, he’s totaled 4,591 yards and 46 touchdowns. All that’s done is put him in the number one slot for Heisman odds in the country.

“Most definitely want to see him bring it back to the bayou,” current Saints defensive back Tyrann Mathieu concluded.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels will look to put an exclamation point on his historic season this weekend, as the Tigers will face off against Texas A&M this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. CST.

Thank you for reading LSU Glory. For more LSU Glory content, covering all things LSU athletics, follow us on Twitter and Facebook. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at lsuglory.fr@gmail.com or direct message us on our Twitter account. It is thanks to your support that we can continue to grow into one of the fastest-growing and most influential LSU media outlets there is.