The LSU football player currently wearing number five negotiated to have that number as part of his recruitment to LSU.
Posted by The NPR Politics Podcast, Checked
- Sources
- 8 support
- Said
- 1 time·
- Confidence
- 70%
The NPR Politics PodcastAug 28, 2026
The post's 'he' refers to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett, who wore No. 5 in August 2026.
What was said
… Yeah, I mean, I think that this is a classic case of the Streisand effect, where probably not a lot of people even realize this other kid had number five. That number means a lot to this other football player. He actually negotiated to have number five as part of his recruitment to LSU. Who knew? People, I guess. People are really superstitious about their numbers, or they they feel a great connection. Anyway, well, all the best to that kid. I hope he wins the Heisman, too. …
The NPR Politics Podcast · · from the transcriptPost →What we found
Supports. Kiffin said Pickett was promised the No. 5 as part of his recruitment and that the promise was meant to get him to sign with LSU, and Yahoo Sports reports the same wording.[2][3][4][5]
Supports. Louisiana Sports reports that Pickett's signing was contingent on wearing No. 5, a stipulation discussed with all three finalists, and that the jersey number, not money, was the point of his contract negotiation.[6]
Supports. Pickett's father said the schools, including LSU, agreed when Pickett asked finalists whether he could wear No. 5.[7]
Supports. AP reports that Pickett was wearing the No. 5 jersey formerly worn by Jayden Daniels and showed no interest in giving it up, which supports the 'currently wearing' element as of August 2026.[1][8]
Context. Former coach Brian Kelly said he did not issue the number because Daniels had not agreed, which concerns issuance rather than whether the promise was made.[2][5]
Sources
8 sources: 1 fact-checker, 7 not rated
- 1LSU coach Kiffin stands by Pickett wearing Daniels' No. 5 ...apnews.com · fact-checker · cited for: supports
- 2How D.J. Pickett got Jayden Daniels' No. 5 at LSUwafb.com · not rated · cited for: supports, context
- 3Jayden Daniels Crunching Number Decision By Lane Kiffin, Who Gave Heisman Winner's No. 5 To DJ Picketttigerrag.com · not rated · cited for: supports
- 4LSU CB DJ Pickett has a New Number - Yahoo Sportssports.yahoo.com · not rated · cited for: supports
- 5How D.J. Pickett got Jayden Daniels' No. 5 at LSUkplctv.com · not rated · cited for: supports, context
- 6Jayden Daniels' reps asked LSU to return Heisman Trophylouisianasports.net · not rated · cited for: supports
- 7Jayden Daniels' objection to LSU offering his old number upsets player now wearing No. 5miamiherald.com · not rated · cited for: supports
- 8Kiffin stands ground, ignores Daniels' demandamericanpress.com · not rated · cited for: supports
Where this claim was made
Said in 1 published post
Related claims
- Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy wearing jersey number five.True
- Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels sent a cease and desist letter to LSU regarding the university allowing another player to wear his jersey number, number five.True
- Louisiana State University found a football player responsible for sexual assault and forcible rape through its Title IX process.True
- A criminal complaint regarding the sexual assault allegations against an LSU football player was brought to the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office on September 22, 2026.True
- Kendall Francis filed a formal Title IX complaint against an LSU football player in January 2026.True