A strong stance from Matt Leinart is making waves after the former star made it clear where he stands on a potential return of his iconic college number. Speaking candidly, the former USC Trojans quarterback didn’t hold back, shutting down any idea of unretiring his jersey with a blunt and emphatic response. Leinart’s number has long been tied to one of the most successful eras in USC football history, making it a symbol not just of individual success, but of a dominant run that fans still talk about today. The topic of unretiring legendary numbers often sparks debate — tradition versus opportunity for a new generation. But in this case, Leinart’s position appears firmly set. His comments have quickly gained traction online, with fans weighing in on whether iconic numbers should ever be brought back into circulation. But one part of his response is what really has people talking. And it leaves little room for interpretation.
High schoolers hoping to play for USC with No. 11 on their uniform need to find a new dream.
Matt Leinart revealed this month he will never unretire his famed Trojans jersey number — not even for a recruit of the highest caliber.
“There’s been multiple times where people at USC have asked me if I would unretire my jersey for some five-star prospect,” the former SC signal-caller said on his “Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara” podcast.
“And do you want to know what I told those guys? Straight up? Absolutely f—ing not.”
Matt Leinart made history in his USC No. 11 jersey, winning a Heisman Trophy and two AP National Championships.
Leinart enrolled at USC in 2001, and two years later, he earned the starting job and went on to have three of the best seasons the school’s ever seen.
He won a Heisman Trophy and two AP National Championships. He threw for 10,693 yards, 99 touchdowns and just 23 interceptions as well.
Matt Leinart’s No. 11 Trojans jersey has been retired for two decades.
The school honored his legendary career by retiring his jersey after he left for the NFL — and this month, Leinart made it crystal clear No. 11’s not coming out of unretirement if he has any say in the matter.
“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,” he said.
Matt Leinart did say he’d consider giving up his USC No. 11 for his sons, which includes future SMU quarterback Cole Leinart.
The 42-year-old did say there are three people on this earth he’d consider giving No. 11 up for — his oldest son, Cole Leinart, who’s slated to play quarterback at SMU in 2026, and his youngest sons, Cannon and Cayson.
“The only person that will ever wear my USC No. 11 would be Cole, who’s not there right now, he’s at SMU,” Matt said. “Or two of my boys if they end up going to USC and playing football.
“That is it.”
