At LSU, a jersey number is more than a piece of fabric; it is a badge of honor that signals a player’s embodiment of specific virtues. For decades the university has used two particular numbers to spotlight athletes who excel both on the field and in character.
The No. 18 Jersey: A Testament to Leadership
The tradition began in 2003 when quarterback Matt Mauck, who guided the Tigers to their first national championship in nearly five decades, elected to retire the No. 18 jersey. The number was subsequently passed to a select group of leaders, the most recent being offensive lineman Braelin Moore. Moore’s commanding presence on the line and his dedication off the field have kept the legacy alive, reinforcing the idea that leadership is the core of the jersey’s meaning.
The No. 7 Jersey: Playmaking Legacy
The No. 7 jersey entered LSU lore when cornerback Patrick Peterson earned it in 2008, a mantle later embraced by safety Tyrann Mathieu and wide receiver DJ Chark. This season, tight end Trey'Dez Green and linebacker Whit Weeks have taken the number, each bringing a distinct skill set — Green’s receiving brilliance and Weeks’s relentless resilience — to a lineage that traces back to Hall of Famer Bert Jones, the inaugural wearer in 1970. Jones, a 1972 Sporting News Player of the Year, will have his No. 7 jersey retired in a ceremony on November 14 against Texas, placing it among the rafters of the South Stadium as a permanent tribute to his legacy.
These customs illustrate how LSU blends athletic excellence with a commitment to character, using the visibility of the jersey to reinforce expectations that extend beyond the gridiron. The university, based in Baton Rouge, continues to nurture talent that carries forward a storied narrative rooted in leadership, resilience, and innovation.