- Daniels was named The Associated Press Player of the Year earlier this week
- He is currently the favorite to win the Heisman on Saturday in New York
- READ MORE: Daniels downplays Heisman hopes ahead of Saturday’s ceremony
In what could be a prelude to his Saturday night in New York, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels received the Davey O’Brien Award on Friday as college football’s best quarterback.
Daniels is already the Associated Press player of the year and is one of four Heisman finalists heading to Saturday’s presentation.
Daniels, a resident of San Bernardino, California, who transferred to LSU from Arizona State in 2022, led the nation’s top offense this season as the Tigers gained 4,946 yards in 12 games (412.2 per game). He passed for 3,812 yards, third nationally, and his 40 passing TDs were tied with Oregon QB Bo Nix, who played in one more game than Daniels.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Daniels also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 50 touchdowns, rushing and passing combined, along with a 2-point conversion on a passing play, made him responsible for a nation-high 302 points.
Other Heisman finalists include Nix and Washington QB Michael Penix Jr., as well as Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Currently, Daniels is the overwhelming betting favorite, followed by Penix Jr., Nix and Harrison Jr.
Heisman Trophy finalist LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels poses with the famous statue
Heisman Trophy finalists, from left to right: Daniels, Harrison Jr., Nix and Penix Jr.
Daniels wasn’t the only one to receive hardware on Friday: North Carolina State’s Payton Wilson won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the best defensive player.
Wilson was involved in 138 tackles for the Wolfpack with six sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
Earlier this season, Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts won the Bronko Nagurski Award as the best defensive player in college football.
The 89th Heisman will be presented Saturday evening in downtown Manhattan.
The four spent Friday in New York City, sightseeing, speaking to reporters, posing for photos with the trophy and, for the three quarterbacks, making an appearance at a fast-food chicken restaurant in Times Square. They all have endorsement deals with the national chain.
