Former USC Heisman-winning quarterback Matt Leinart has made it clear he will not unretire his No. 11 jersey, even if the school or a recruit asks. The number has been retired since 2005, but Leinart said he has been approached multiple times by USC officials and prospects about potentially allowing the number to be worn again.

Leinart’s firm stance on jersey unretirement

On an episode of his podcast “Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara,” Leinart recounted multiple instances where he was approached about unretiring his jersey. He stated he would never agree to it for a random recruit, who might wear the number for only a year before transferring.

“I said, ‘absolutely f—ing not,’” Leinart said. “I am never going to unretire for some random dude, who by the way, now could wear No. 11 and transfer after a year.”

Leinart added that the only individuals who would ever wear his No. 11 at USC would be his sons. His eldest son, Cole, who committed to SMU in November 2024, reached out to him a few years ago about unretiring the number for another player. Leinart said he would only allow the number to be worn by his sons if they played for USC.

Context on retired numbers at USC

Retired numbers at USC are a significant honor, reserved for legendary players. The numbers of Heisman Trophy winners like Carson Palmer (No. 3) and Matt Leinart (No. 11) are permanently retired and displayed in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Carson Palmer’s No. 3 was retired in 2003, following his Heisman win in 2002. However, Jordan Addison, a transfer from Pittsburgh, wore the No. 3 in 2022 under the approval of head coach Lincoln Riley. Addison wore the number for his entire 2022 season, racking up 59 receptions for 875 yards and eight touchdowns.

Leinart, however, has made it clear he would not allow his No. 11 to be unretired, even for a significant financial incentive. When asked on the podcast if a $1 million offer would change his mind, Leinart said, “That kid, probably chance of him staying at USC after two years is slim anyway. So it ain’t happening, bro. I’m keeping that up there forever. You can call me selfish. I don’t give a s—.”

Leinart clarifies coach Riley’s role

In a post on X, Leinart clarified that head coach Lincoln Riley had not asked him about unretiring the No. 11. He said the assumption that Riley had asked was incorrect, and he emphasized that he had not named any individuals who had approached him about the issue.

“Coach Riley hasn’t asked me if a recruit can wear my number so we can settle that right now,” Leinart wrote. “I’ve been asked in the past before and have said the same thing every time. This isn’t a big deal! Fight On.”

Leinart’s comments come as he reflects on his legacy at USC. He led the Trojans to two national championships and won the Heisman Trophy in 2004, throwing for 3,322 yards, 33 touchdowns and six interceptions that season. He finished his college career with 10,693 yards, 99 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.

Leinart was selected as the No. 10 pick in the 2006 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Despite his success in the NFL, he has remained fiercely loyal to USC and its traditions, including the honor of having his jersey retired.

Leinart’s stance on the No. 11 jersey aligns with the broader tradition at USC, where retired numbers are treated with the utmost respect. Other retired numbers include Reggie Bush (No. 5), Charles White (No. 12), and O.J. Simpson (No. 32), all of whom are enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Leinart said the honor of having his number retired is something he deeply values. “You win the Heisman Trophy, automatic retired number, which is pretty cool,” he said. “So, our jerseys are hanging in the Coliseum on one side.”

With no indication that he will change his mind, Leinart’s No. 11 will likely remain retired indefinitely, a permanent symbol of his legacy at USC. His firm stance highlights the significance of retired numbers in college football and the deep respect they command from players, coaches, and fans alike.