The Changing Landscape of College Football

As college football continues to lean heavily into a professionalized model, university programs have begun using various incentives to attract talent. Beyond financial NIL packages, schools have even started leveraging the allure of specific jersey numbers to entice transfers. However, USC’s iconic No. 11, held by Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, remains strictly off-limits despite institutional pressure.


Leinart’s Firm Stance

During a recent episode of his Throwbacks Podcast, Leinart addressed the prestige surrounding his former number. "When I was at USC, I got my number retired," Leinart explained. "You win the Heisman Trophy, automatic retired number, which is pretty cool. So, our jerseys are hanging in the Coliseum on one side."


Despite the honor, the university has frequently reached out to him, hoping to reclaim the number for high-profile prospects. Leinart has remained steadfast in his refusal:


"There's been multiple times where people at USC have asked me if I would unretire my jersey for some five-star prospect. And do you want to know what I told those guys straight up? I said, 'Absolutely not.' I am never going to unretire my jersey for some random dude who by the way now could wear No. 11 and transfer after a year."

The Family Exception

While other USC legends like Carson Palmer have allowed their numbers to be worn by current players—such as Jordan Addison wearing Palmer's No. 3—Leinart draws a hard line. He noted that he would only consider a change if it involved his own children.


Leinart specified:

  • His son, Cole Leinart (currently a freshman quarterback at SMU).
  • His two younger sons, should they eventually commit to play for the Trojans.

"The only person that will ever wear my USC No. 11 would be Cole... Or two of my boys if they end up going to USC and playing football. That is it," he emphasized.


Not for Sale

When questioned about whether a significant NIL offer from a player might change his mind, Leinart dismissed the idea entirely. For him, the legacy associated with the jersey transcends monetary value, stating, "Absolutely not. Would never do it. It's not for sale."