Trending Now - Matt Leinart Confirms USC No. 11 Will Not Be Unretired

WHO:

Matt Leinart, former USC Heisman-winning quarterback

Lincoln Riley, USC head coach

Cole Leinart, Matt Leinart's son, committed to SMU

Carson Palmer, former USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner

Jordan Addison, USC player who transferred from Pittsburgh

WHAT:

Matt Leinart's No. 11 jersey has been retired for over two decades.

Leinart stated he has been approached "multiple times" by USC officials about unretiring his jersey for a prospect.

Leinart emphatically stated, "I said, 'absolutely f---ing not.'"

Leinart would only consider unretiring the jersey for his son Cole or his other two sons if they played football at USC.

Jordan Addison wore Carson Palmer's No. 3 jersey at USC after receiving permission from Palmer.

Leinart is second all-time in passing touchdowns at USC with 71, fourth in career completions with 524, and fourth in passing yardage with 6,878.

WHERE:

USC (University of Southern California)

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

WHEN:

Leinart graduated from USC in 2006.

Cole Leinart committed to SMU in November 2024.

Leinart was the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.

WHY:

Leinart's refusal to unretire his jersey is based on the belief that a player could transfer after a year, making it not worthwhile.

Leinart expressed a desire to keep the No. 11 jersey retired "forever."

HOW:

Leinart communicated his decision through his podcast "Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara."

He clarified on social media that Lincoln Riley had not asked him about unretiring the No. 11 jersey.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 01:33 UTC)

In a recent episode of his podcast, Matt Leinart announced that he has no intention of unretiring his iconic No. 11 jersey, which has been retired for over two decades at USC, despite being approached multiple times by officials. Leinart emphasized that he would only consider allowing his jersey to be worn again if it were for his son Cole or his other sons, citing concerns about players transferring after just a year. He also clarified on social media that Lincoln Riley, USC's head coach, had not asked him about the jersey, reinforcing his desire to keep it retired "forever."