Jayden Daniels has already marked his name in Arizona State history books, becoming the first True Freshman to start at quarterback for the Sun Devil’s. In his first year with the devils, Daniels finished just shy of 3,000 yards passing with 2,943 yards, 17 TDs, and only 2 INT and added 355 yards with 3 TDs on the ground. Although the sun devils finished 8-5 and 4-5 in conference play that year Jayden Daniels looked like a real bright spot on a team that was searching for an identity.
Coming into the 2020 – 2021 season there were more questions than answer for the entire CFB organization and the pac-12 program, ultimately Pac-12 decided to go ahead with a shortened season that was overshadowed by covid health protocol player scratches. Jayden Daniels showed the leadership skills it takes to be a starting quarterback in not only College football but to many the NFL. Daniels led the Sun Devils to a 500-season finishing 2-2 having only played a total of 4 games in what some will remember as a season we should have never had. Daniels finished with 701 yards passing 5 TD’s and threw only 1 INT and added 223 yards rushing with 4 TD’s. He showed a totally different poise in those 4 games leading some to believe that a Daniels-led Sun Devils team could be slated to win the Pac 12 championship in the upcoming season and cash in a ticket to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1997.
This brings us to the 2021 season where the Sun Devils started out 2-0 before falling to BYU in week 3. With hopes still alive the Sun Devils won the next 3 in a row before falling to Utah, and then Washington St the following week. Heading into week 9 despite the team’s struggles Daniels numbers have been impressive with 1,734 yards passing 7 TDs, although he has already thrown 5 interceptions this year which is more than the total of his first two years. Daniels has also been more active with his legs on pace to finish well over 500 yards rushing this season with 432 and he has 4 rushing touchdowns matching his total for last season.
So, the burning question is what’s next? Daniels is on pace to have a great junior season and has already eclipsed some major career milestones, reaching 5,000 career passing yards, 1,000 career rushing yards, and now has passed 6,000 career total yards. Coming into the season Daniels ranked as high as 3rd on some QB rankings and recently ranked as low as 7th on some. The question is, is that enough of a drop to keep Daniels in college for his senior year? With names like Matt Coral, Kenny Pickett, Carson Strong, Desmond Ridder, and Sam Howell possibly entering this year’s draft that might help influence Daniels to get one more year under his belt, which brings us to the question will Daniels enter the Transfer Portal? The media has been all over Herm Edwards and ASU’s coaching staff, with reports of recruiting violations coming out, which has led many to believe there is a high chance that if Daniels chooses to finish out his eligibility that it won’t be with ASU. Entering the draft is another option for Daniels although it seems like last on the list, he is projected to go in the 2nd round in most mock drafts currently. Sun Devils fans are hoping Daniels elects to return to ASU for his Senior year where not only could he build on an already legendary Sun Devil career but also help build his case as a 1st round QB in the draft.
