Matt Leinart Clarifies USC Jersey Number Controversy, Defends Lincoln Riley
USC Trojans legend Matt Leinart addressed a recent wave of speculation regarding requests to un-retire his No. 11 jersey, clarifying that head coach Lincoln Riley was not involved in any such requests. The discussion stemmed from reports that USC had approached Leinart about temporarily un-retiring his number to entice a high-profile recruit.
The Origin of the Controversy
Leinart revealed on his podcast, “Throwbacks,” with actor Jerry Ferrara, that USC personnel had contacted him in the past regarding the possibility of un-retiring his jersey for recruits. However, he consistently declined these requests. This sparked online debate, with some fans and media members speculating that Lincoln Riley might be behind the efforts.
Leinart Sets the Record Straight
Responding directly to the speculation, Leinart took to social media to defend Riley. “Coach Riley hasn’t asked me if a recruit can wear my number so we can settle that right now. I’ve been asked in the past before and have said the same thing every time. This isn’t a big deal! Fight On,” he tweeted.
Why the Number Matters
Leinart’s jersey was retired following his successful career at USC, which culminated in a Heisman Trophy win. He expressed his firm stance that only members of his immediate family should ever wear the number, stating, “The only person that will ever wear my USC No. 11 would be Cole (Leinart), who’s not there right now, he’s at SMU. Or two of my boys, if they finish up going to USC and playing football. That is it.” He also cited the increasing prevalence of player transfers in college football as a reason for his reluctance, noting that a recruit could potentially wear the number for a short period before transferring to another school.
USC’s Recruiting Success
Despite the jersey number discussion, USC has been experiencing significant success on the recruiting trail under Lincoln Riley. The Trojans signed the No. 1 recruiting class in 2026 and recently landed five-star athlete Honor Fa’alave-Johnson. This success suggests that the coaching staff is not relying on unconventional tactics to attract top talent.
The Broader Trend of Jersey Unretirements
The controversy highlights a growing trend in both college and professional football where athletes are requesting to wear retired jersey numbers. This practice has been met with mixed reactions, as some view it as a sign of respect for legendary players, while others believe it diminishes the significance of retiring a jersey in the first place.
Leinart’s clarification serves to dispel rumors and reaffirm his commitment to preserving the legacy of his No. 11 jersey at USC.