LSU lands former Arizona State star QB Daniels

Former Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels has committed to play at LSU, sources told ESPN on Sunday.

The decision delivers LSU one of the most accomplished quarterbacks to enter the NCAA transfer portal this off-season, as Daniels threw for 6,025 yards and 32 touchdowns during his three seasons as Arizona State’s primary starter.

He’s expected to be a contender to start at LSU, which has a strong quarterback room but no obvious starter. He’ll be competing with the trio of redshirt senior Myles Brennan, redshirt freshman Garrett Nussmeier and early enrollee Walker Howard.

Daniels’ decision means they’ll likely be a robust quarterback competition in Brian Kelly’s first season as LSU’s coach. He’s a graduate transfer, which means he’ll be eligible to start the quarterback competition during spring football. He’s expected to arrive mid-March, a source said, and his graduate program will allow to him enroll and be eligible. That will give Kelly, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and quarterback coach Joe Sloan a full spring and summer camp to evaluate the full quarterback competition.

Daniels entered 2021 regarded as one of the more talented quarterbacks in the country, although his progression at Arizona State has not been linear. He burst onto the scene as one of the country’s top true freshman in 2019, throwing 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Last season, he threw for 2,380 yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Heading into the 2021 season, Daniels was considered one of the country’s top NFL prospects. He’s 6-foot-3, 185 pounds and his career trajectory seemed destined to be a three-and-done prospect. He was the first player in Arizona State history to start his first career game and led the Sun Devils to an 8-5 record and bowl win over Florida State.

Daniels entered the NCAA transfer portal on Feb. 18, a decision that came after releasing a video in December that he’d be staying at Arizona State. His departure has been a blow to a Sun Devil program that’s been riddled with coaching staff turnover and roster uncertainty as the NCAA continues to investigate recruiting violations in Herm Edwards’ program.