LSU QB Jayden Daniels overcomes being out of playoff hunt to win Heisman Trophy

Jayden Daniels was too good to be overlooked.

LSU's dazzling dual-threat quarterback won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, becoming the first player since 2016 to win college football's most prestigious player of the year award as part of a team that did not play for a conference championship.

The fifth-year player, who transferred from Arizona State to LSU in 2022, received 503 first-place votes and 2,029 points after accounting for 50 touchdowns and nearly 5,000 total yards in just 12 regular-season games.

"This is a dream come true," Daniels started his acceptance speech.

Washington's Michael Penix Jr. was the the runner-up with 292 first-place votes and 1,701 points and Oregon's Bo Nix was third (51, 885), putting transfer quarterbacks in each of the top three spots. Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. finished fourth (20, 352).

A Dream Come True. It’s through faith and hard work. <br><br>Heisman Winner <a href="https://twitter.com/JayD__5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayD__5</a> <a href="https://t.co/GSflVj0icw">pic.twitter.com/GSflVj0icw</a>

Wearing a sharp light gray suit, Daniels dropped his head for a moment when his name was called. He was the favourite to win the award, but said he felt relieved when it was official.

Still, he stayed composed throughout his speech when he thanked everyone from his offensive line to the groundskeepers at Tigers Stadium and cafeteria workers who help feed the team.

"I wasn't really like, emotional, like crying," Daniels said later at a news conference. "I guess it's kind of how I play on the field. I'm just enjoying the moment, just embracing everything, giving thanks to God."

Daniels, who turns 23 on Dec. 18, won AP Player of the Year earlier this week.

Daniels is the fifth