Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from LSU, has been honored with the James J. Corbett Award as the top male amateur athlete in Louisiana, announced by the New Orleans Sports Awards Committee on Tuesday.
During the 2023 season, Daniels made a significant impact at LSU, setting new records for the university. He distinguished himself on the college football stage by winning prestigious awards such as the Heisman Trophy, The Associated Press Player of the Year, and the Manning Award, in addition to receiving multiple first-team All-America honors.
Daniels joins a distinguished list of LSU football players to have received the Corbett Award since its establishment in 1967.
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive the Corbett Award as Louisiana’s top amateur athlete,” Daniels remarked. “I am grateful to LSU and the entire state of Louisiana for welcoming me when I transferred from Arizona State nearly three years ago. LSU and Coach Kelly provided me with an opportunity to excel on the field and to develop my identity beyond football.”
“I couldn’t have achieved this accolade without my amazing coaches and teammates. I’m incredibly appreciative of their friendship, support, and the moments we shared. I adore everything about Louisiana and LSU, and I’m honored to be listed with some of the greatest athletes who have previously won this honor.
After Joe Burrow in 2019 and Billy Cannon in 1959, Daniels became LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner. Daniels had an outstanding senior year, topping the nation in total offense (4,946 yards), ranking second in throwing touchdowns (40), and placing fifth in passing yards (3,812). In addition, he had the most rushing yards (1,134) of any quarterback.
This season, his 50 total touchdowns were greater than the 91 teams that scored, and his 412.2 total yards per game were more than 85 FBS teams.
Coach Brian Kelly of LSU remarked, “It’s exciting to know that guy’s on your team, first of all,” following Daniels’ game-winning performance. “And then there’s this feeling that, whatever you name it, it will be carried out.”
Daniels joined Burrow as the only players in LSU history to surpass the 500-yard mark three times in a season after accounting for at least four touchdowns in nine games. Daniels broke the 400-yard barrier six times in total in 2023.