This weekend, Jayden Daniels put on another incredible showing leading the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. The Last 13 Months for Jayden Daniels have included winning the Heisman Trophy, being selected 2nd Overall, and an incredible Rookie season with a Rookie of the Year likely on the way. However for Daniels, it didn't always appear he'd get to this point as there were numerous doubters along the way.
In February of 2022, Jayden Daniels decided to enter the Transfer Portal after three seasons at Arizona State. The move came after a ton of turnover on the Coaching Staff following an NCAA investigation leading Daniels to taking a Fresh Start. After Daniels decided to transfer a no infamous video was taken where Daniels Arizona State teammates trashed him
It doesn’t look like Jayden Daniels ASU teammates are real pleased with his decision to enter the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/eElvZSErkv
— George Wrighster III (@georgewrighster) February 17, 2022
"He sucked anyways" is the phrase that will standout the most as Daniels was coming off of a bad year but, looking where he is now it's clear that Daniels does not suck.
Daniels decided to Transfer to LSU, joining Head Coach Brian Kelly who took the program over from Ed Orgeron. The first season for Daniels had some highlights as the Tigers went to the SEC Championship game but, his statline of 2,913 yards passing with 17 touchdowns and 3 interceptions didn't make him look like a Heisman contender.
In fact, after the LSU Football team lost 40-13 to Tennessee, there was a large segment of the fanbase that wanted Daniels benched as he seemingly wasn't willing to take any risks.
Then the 2023 season kicked off and Daniels seemingly finally put everything together reaching his full potential. "That Kid Jayden" jumped from 17 touchdowns to 40 touchdowns passing with just 4 interceptions while picking up 10 touchdowns and 1,134 yards with his legs en route to LSU's Third Heisman.
We're just about three years past Jayden Daniels decision to enter the Transfer Portal and it's clear who's gotten the last laugh. Daniels went from struggling at Arizona State to having a ton of success in the SEC which then prepared him to head on to the NFL and flash as a Rookie. The sky is the limit now for Jayden Daniels as the Commanders are in the NFC Championship Game just one year into his career with a ton of flexibility to build around him.