Jayden Daniels Rising in Ranks with Raising Cane’s

LSU is undoubtedly one of the most notable schools in terms of their athlete’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Between their gymnastics, basketball, and baseball teams, college students throughout the campus are entering new partnerships frequently. However, fans shouldn’t forget the Tigers’ football team, which is very much a part of the financial picture.

One of the team’s top earners is quarterback (QB) Jayden Daniels.

The 22-year-old has recently entered into an NIL deal with Raising Cane’s fast food restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

The deal is coming at a great time, too. The 2023 season is about to start, so all eyes will be on Daniels’ performance as an athlete and what he is doing aside from his work on the field. As of right now, the deal is scheduled for the full length of the football season.

Daniels raising cane with his announcement

“Nothing I like better than touchdowns and chicken fingers. GeauxTigers,” Daniels captioned an Instagram post on August 11. In the photo, he can be seen repping a Raising Cane’s t-shirt and posing with some of their key menu items.

With over 700 locations across the country, Raising Cane’s is a very well-liked fast food chain. Specializing in fried chicken, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast, it’s no wonder they have plenty of locations and customers.

Raising Cane’s Good Taste

This isn’t their first run with Name, Image, and Likeness, either. The restaurant chain has partnered with players such as running back Trey Benson and QB Stetson Bennett. In addition, previous partnerships include QB Bryce Young, QB C.J. Stroud, and RB Bijan Robinson. Each of these three players were top ten picks at the 2023 Draft. 

Clearly, Raising Cane’s knows what to look for in terms of upcoming talent and star potential.

This is Daniels’ fifth and most likely final season playing college football. He transferred from Arizona State to LSU in 2022. Last season was his first as the Tigers’ QB and he did not disappoint. 

He led his team to an SEC Championship game and contributed 2,913 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns, and 3 interceptions last season. Not only can he pass the ball around, though. Daniels also added 885 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in the 2022 season, according to ESPN.

In addition to these stats, Daniels also helped the team climb to a ranking of 6th place in terms of the Preseason Top 25 2023 Teams.

Daniels currently holds an NIL valuation of over $500,000. On3 credits this to his almost 100,000 followers on social media.

A star in the making

With his new deal, his valuation will likely rise considerably within the next few weeks. In addition to his deal with Raising Cane’s, the senior also has endorsement deals with Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys. If the Heisman contender wins the coveted trophy, he will probably have even more NIL deals.

The season has yet to start, and Daniels is already receiving new NIL deals. This being said, make sure to look out for the LSU senior as he is being named one of the top ten 2023 QBs by ESPN.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.