Washington Commanders Officially Announce Jayden Daniels as Starting Quarterback for 2025 Season Opener

The Washington Commanders have made it official — rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will start in the team’s Week 1 matchup, marking the beginning of a new era in D.C. football.

Daniels, the 2025 first-round draft pick out of LSU, impressed coaches and teammates throughout training camp and preseason, displaying strong decision-making, pocket awareness, and an ability to extend plays under pressure.

Head coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels’ readiness during the team’s press announcement:
"Jayden has shown poise, leadership, and the ability to execute our offense at a high level. He’s earned this opportunity. The locker room believes in him, and so do we."

The decision comes after weeks of speculation, as veteran quarterbacks were also in contention for the role. Daniels’ performance in preseason games — where he posted a 68% completion rate and no turnovers — ultimately secured his place at the top of the depth chart.

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy noted that the game plan will play to Daniels’ strengths, incorporating quick reads, designed quarterback runs, and deep passing opportunities to take advantage of his mobility and arm talent.

The move signals the Commanders’ commitment to building around their young quarterback, pairing him with a developing offensive line and emerging skill players like wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running back Brian Robinson Jr.

Fans in Washington are hopeful that Daniels can inject energy and consistency into a franchise that has struggled with stability at the quarterback position for years. Early ticket sales for the season opener have already spiked following the announcement.

The Commanders will open their 2025 campaign at home against the Philadelphia Eagles, a divisional rival with a fierce defensive front — an immediate test for the rookie. All eyes will be on Daniels to see if he can turn preseason promise into regular-season success, setting the tone for what the organization hopes will be a breakthrough year.