Garrett Nussmeier jersey switch, explained: Why LSU QB now wears legendary No. 18 for 2025 season

Garrett Nussmeier jersey switch, explained: Why LSU QB now wears legendary No. 18 for 2025 season image

College football thrives on traditions. They can be fight songs blaring after touchdowns or unique entrances players use before kickoff.

These customs vary from school to school, but they all serve one goal: connecting today’s team to its long-established history. At certain programs, there’s a celebrated number players must earn the right to wear. Often it’s tied to a former standout who lifted the team to success, creating a special legacy around it.

At LSU, that celebrated number is 18. It has a deep connection to the program’s past, beginning with quarterback Matt Mauck in 2003, who guided LSU to its first title in five decades. He wore No. 18, and ever since, the number has not been retired but reserved. It is only awarded to a player who is “a great teammate and embodies the leadership qualities coaches value to guide the team.”

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier previously wore No. 13. In 2025, however, head coach Brian Kelly presented him with No. 18, making him the first LSU quarterback since Mauck to wear it.

Here’s why Nussmeier made the switch.

What does LSU’s No. 18 jersey represent

In 2003, LSU ended a 50-year championship drought. For a powerhouse SEC program, that was far too long. Matt Mauck finally delivered the crown with a win over Oklahoma. Since then, the number has carried meaning, similar to Penn State’s No. 11 for elite linebackers. But unlike at Penn State, LSU awards No. 18 annually to players who display character and leadership. It isn’t always given to the most famous name, but to someone capable of making a difference on and off the field.

Why was Garrett Nussmeier chosen for No. 18

Nussmeier arrived at LSU in 2021, straight from high school. In a transfer-heavy era, he waited behind Jayden Daniels instead of leaving. He became the starter in 2024, posting 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Expectations are high for 2025, and Kelly said he showed the qualities of a true No. 18: “focus, discipline, and the leadership needed within the locker room.”

Who last wore LSU’s No. 18

Since 2003, at least one player has taken on the number every season. At times, it has gone to two players, one on offense and one on defense. In 2024, linebacker Greg Penn III and running back Josh Williams were selected.

Penn ended the year with 84 tackles, second-best on the team, along with 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Williams was the primary backup to starter Caden Durham, recording 482 yards and six touchdowns on 117 rushes. He also added 263 yards and 31 catches in the passing game.

History of LSU players given No. 18

Below is the full list of Tigers who have worn the number since 2003.

Year | Player | Position

2003 | Matt Mauck | QB

2004-2007 | Jacob Hester | FB

2008-2009 | Richard Dickson | TE

2010 | Richard Murphy | RB

2011 | Brandon Taylor | S

2012 | Bennie Logan | DT

2013 | Lamin Barrow | LB

2014 | Terrance Magee | RB

2015-2016 | Tre’Davious White | CB

2017 | Christian LaCouture | DT

2017 | J.D. Moore | TE

2018 | Christian LaCouture | DT

2019 | K’Lavon Chaisson | LB

2019 | Lloyd Cushenberry III | C

2020 | Damone Clark | LB

2020 | Chris Curry | RB

2021 | Damone Clark | LB

2021 | Avery Atkins | K

2022 | B.J. Ojulari | DE

2023 | Mekhi Wingo | DT

2024 | Greg Penn III | LB

2024 | Josh Williams | RB

2025 | Garrett Nussmeier | QB