High school athletes dreaming of donning No. 11 and playing for USC will need to rethink their aspirations.
This month, Matt Leinart shared that he has no intention of officially retiring his iconic Trojan number. Even if someone comes along who’s a standout player.
Leinart mentioned during an episode of the “Memories with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara” podcast, “I’ve been asked multiple times by folks at USC if I would retire my jersey for a five-star recruit. So what did I tell them? Honestly? No way.”
He joined USC in 2001, secured a starting position two years later, and had three remarkable seasons there.
In his college career, he claimed the Heisman Trophy and two AP National Championships, throwing for 10,693 yards, 99 touchdowns, and just 23 interceptions.
Following his departure for the NFL, USC honored him by retiring his jersey. Recently, he emphasized that even if he had a role in the decision, it wouldn’t mean his No. 11 jersey would be made available again.
“I’m not going to retire my jersey for just any player who might wear No. 11 for a year,” he noted.
The 42-year-old identified three individuals he would consider allowing to wear No. 11: his eldest son, Cole, who is set to play quarterback at SMU in 2026, alongside his younger sons, Cannon and Cason.
“Cole would be the only one who could wear my USC No. 11. He’s not there right now; he’s at SMU,” Matt explained. “Or, if two of my sons end up at USC to play football. That’s a possibility.”
