LSU’s Jayden Daniels wins Davey O’Brien Award as top college quarterback ahead of Saturday’s Heisman ceremony… where he’s favorited over Nix, Penix and Harrison

In what could be a prelude to his Saturday night in New York, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels collected the Davey O’Brien Award as college football’s top quarterback on Friday. 

Already The Associated Press player of the year, Daniels is one of four Heisman finalists heading into Saturday’s presentation. 

Daniels, a San Bernardino, California, native who transferred to LSU from Arizona State in 2022, led the nation’s best offense this season as the Tigers gained 4,946 yards in 12 games (412.2 per game). He passed for 3,812 yards, third nationally, and his 40 TDs passing were tied for first with Oregon QB Bo Nix, who played in one more game than Daniels.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Daniels also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 TDs. His 50 touchdowns rushing and passing combined, along with a 2-point conversion on a passing play, made him responsible for a nation-high 302 points. 

Other Heisman finalists include Nix and Washington QB Michael Penix Jr., as well as Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Currently Daniels is the overwhelming betting favorite followed by Penix Jr., Nix, and Harrison Jr. 

Heisman Trophy finalists, from left, Daniels, Harrison Jr.,  Nix and Penix Jr. 

Daniels wasn’t alone in receiving hardware on Friday: Payton Wilson of North Carolina State won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player. 

Wilson was involved in 138 tackles for the Wolfpack with six sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

Earlier this offseason, Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts won the Bronko Nagurski Award as the top defender in college football.

The 89th Heisman will be handed out Saturday night in midtown Manhattan. 

The four spent Friday in New York City, sightseeing, talking to reporters, posing for photos with the trophy and, for the three quarterbacks, making an appearance at a fast-food chicken joint on Times Square. They all have endorsement deals with the national chain.