Ricky Pearsall opens up on friendship, rivalry with Jayden Daniels

Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall has the Florida State game circled on his calendar first and foremost, but he’s also looking forward to another matchup on the 2023 slate.

LSU will continue to appear as an opponent on Florida’s schedule for now, and that means Pearsall will get a chance to square off against his former Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels. Like Pearsall, Daniels transferred to the SEC ahead of the 2022 campaign.

“We have actually a really good relationship,” Ricky Pearsall said. “That’s still my dog for life. We randomly FaceTime each other, talk a little smack about the game. I think he’s got us circled as much as we got him circled.”

Daniels will be captaining an LSU squad that has playoff aspirations after winning 10 games a year ago during Brian Kelly‘s first year in charge of the program.

The talented dual-threat quarterback can be a handful, as Florida learned last season in a 45-35 loss to LSU.

The San Bernardino, Calif., native absolutely carved up the Gators, throwing for 349 yards with three touchdowns, while also rushing for three more scores on the ground.

That game was in Gainesville, Fla. This year’s will be in Baton Rouge, La.

“On a personal level, too, knowing we’re going to play against each other, I can’t wait to go over there and see him in his house now, so we’re really excited for that game,” Ricky Pearsall said. “I’m excited to see him. It’s really good to see him doing well, as well. I wish him all the luck.”

Florida doesn’t have nearly as high expectations as LSU entering the season, having lost top-five NFL Draft pick Anthony Richardson at quarterback. The Gators have a talented stable of running backs but need other skill players, like Ricky Pearsall, to emerge.

Pearsall caught 33 passes for 631 yards and five touchdowns a year ago, emerging as the team’s top option in the passing game.

He’ll be eager to show what he can do against Daniels.

“It’ll be fun,” Ricky Pearsall said. “He plays this cool guy. He’s really a good cat. He’s an open book, in my opinion. Not a lot of people know that about him.”