The record-setting winner of this year’s Heisman Trophy recently encouraged the nation’s young athletes to “lean” on their faith, saying his belief in Jesus made a significant impact on his life.
LSU’s Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy as college football’s most outstanding player, beating out Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. 2,029 to 1,701 votes in what was the closest Heisman race since 2018. Daniels led the nation in total yards per game, passing touchdowns, and total touchdowns. His passer rating was the highest in FBS history. In a win over Florida, Daniels became the first player in FBS history to pass for 350 yards and rush for 200 yards in the same game.
When asked during the ESPN broadcast what advice he would give young people, Daniels said, “Always believe in yourself, no matter the doubters, no matter what people say about you, just believe in yourself. Lean on your faith with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and just keep working.” Daniels’ path to the Heisman wasn’t typical. As a transfer, he struggled in his last season at Arizona State, throwing as many interceptions as he did touchdowns. In 2022, he started as quarterback for LSU and led the Tigers to the SEC West division title, and then in 2023, he guided his team to a 9-3 record.
Daniels referenced his faith during his acceptance speech. He said, “This is a dream come true. I want to first give thanks to God. He’s my Rock, my Savior. He blessed me with the talents and ability to get here.” He also thanked his teammates, his offensive line, his coaches at Arizona State and LSU, and his family. He joked that his father raised him to play cornerback on defense but added that the “decision to play quarterback paid off” as his parents sat in the audience. He told his father, “You taught me how to play, lead, and be calm no matter the situation.”
He also addressed his mother during his acceptance speech. Daniels told her, “You always had my best interest at heart from day one. And you showed me that tough love when I needed it. You instilled the hard work mentality that got me here. I graduated in three years because that’s something you pushed me to do.” In a November interview with LSUSPorts.net, Daniels credited LSU player relations manager Sherman Wilson for helping him deepen his faith. He said of Wilson, “He’s behind the scenes, but he’s like my right-hand man. I kind of got back into my faith more, always giving glory to God.”
Daniels continued, “He died on the cross for us; anything is possible with Him. Coming back out here, trying to figure out my life, I wanted to stop trying to put so much pressure and just give everything to God, letting Him take care of it.”