Not that there was much drama heading into Saturday night's ceremony, but LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels has been named the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner.
Daniels bested the other finalists representing their teams in New York on Saturday night in Oregon QB Bo Nix, Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. and Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. to capture the award. Many expected it as he was a heavy favorite (last listed as -1400 to win per oddsmakers), but until he got the trophy in his hands, it wasn't real.
What Daniels did in the 2023 season was exceptionally real, though.
Even with LSU going 9-3, it was Daniels who led them to that mark with his superhuman efforts in spite of a lacking Tigers defense this year. He finished the season throwing for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and just four interceptions while completing 72.2 percent of his passes. But what set him apart was that he also did it with his legs, rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season well, arguably the greatest LSU quarterback season outside of Joe Burrow, which is rare company.
And for that, Daniels is now a Heisman Trophy winner... and deservedly so.
Jayden Daniels wins 2023 Heisman Trophy: Best memes and tweets
Following the announcement of his victory in New York City's Lincoln Center on Saturday night, college football media members and fans reacted in celebration of the huge win.
Jayden Daniels is YOUR 2023 Heisman Trophy Winner🏆
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 10, 2023
He becomes the 2nd QB from LSU to win in the last 5 Years (Joe Burrow 2019)https://t.co/HSe2zUSZSg pic.twitter.com/zt4HugnaVH
JAYDEN DANIELS IS THE 2023 HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER‼️ pic.twitter.com/3HnIflvTx7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 10, 2023
LSU QB Jayden Daniels is the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner 🏆 pic.twitter.com/YEDe2cedFL
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 10, 2023
The 2023 Heisman Trophy Winner
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) December 10, 2023
That Kid
No. 5 Jayden Daniels pic.twitter.com/S0yjfS9cyy
JAYDEN DANIELS IS YOUR HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER🔥 pic.twitter.com/Cer3tUqmWj
— The Jordy Culotta Show (@CulottaShow) December 10, 2023
Jayden Daniels had one of the most electrifying seasons College Football has ever seen. That Kid Jayden is 1st in total offense, pass TDs, TDs responsible for, yards per pass attempt, yards per play, rushing yards by a QB and has the highest pass efficiency rating in FBS history. pic.twitter.com/eIaKlQULNr
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 10, 2023
What a moment for Jayden Daniels! 🏆✨ pic.twitter.com/TBrxq1Wavo
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 10, 2023
Jayden Daniels has won the Heisman Trophy with LSU.
— Barstool ASU (@tempebarstool) December 10, 2023
Herm Edwards is smiling somewhere. pic.twitter.com/BwhfjUgQar
insane career for jayden daniels. to end here with a heisman is an incredible feat
— charles (“you look good” - andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) December 10, 2023
Daniels is only the third player in LSU Tigers history to win the Heisman Trophy and deservedly so. For as good as Nix, Penix and Harrison Jr. were this season -- and even playing for better teams this season, the LSU quarterback was a cut above.
The award is about individual excellence and the most outstanding player in college football. No one who watched Jayden Daniels this season could argue that he didn't hit those qualifiers in the 2023 season... and then some.