Garrett Nussmeier Becomes First Quarterback Since Matt Mauck to Wear LSU’s No. 18 Jersey
The No. 18 jersey isn’t just a number at LSU—it’s a badge of honor. On Saturday, the Tigers announced that fifth-year senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been chosen to carry on the tradition in 2025, making him the first quarterback to wear it since Matt Mauck led LSU to a national championship in 2003.
For more than two decades, No. 18 has symbolized far more than athletic talent. It is passed down to the player who best embodies LSU football’s core values: leadership, selflessness, and integrity both on and off the field. Nussmeier’s selection reflects not only his ability as a quarterback but the trust and respect he has earned from teammates and coaches.
A Tradition Rooted in Championship History
The legacy began with Mauck, who wore No. 18 while guiding the Tigers to their first national title in 45 years. His toughness, poise, and leadership made him the blueprint for what the number would come to represent. From there, the tradition grew. Players like running back Jacob Hester, linebacker Damone Clark, and cornerback Tre’Davious White carried the jersey in different eras, leaving their own marks on LSU history.
Still, it’s been 22 years since a quarterback was deemed worthy of the number. That drought makes Nussmeier’s selection especially significant, and LSU fans see it as a full-circle moment: a quarterback once again taking on the mantle that began the tradition.
Nussmeier’s Journey to the Honor
Nussmeier has had to wait his turn at LSU. He sat behind Max Johnson early in his career, then bided his time while Jayden Daniels rose to Heisman Trophy heights. Instead of transferring, Nussmeier stayed the course, committed to LSU, and worked relentlessly to improve. That patience and resilience have defined him just as much as his arm talent.
“I’ve always believed in myself, but more importantly, I’ve believed in this team,” Nussmeier said after the announcement. “To wear No. 18 is an incredible honor because of what it means—not just to me, but to everyone who has worn it before and to LSU as a whole.”
Head coach Brian Kelly praised his quarterback for the example he has set. “Garrett represents everything we want in a leader,” Kelly said. “He’s put in the work, he’s earned the respect of the locker room, and he’s ready to lead this team.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
The Tigers enter the season with high expectations. After back-to-back years of elite quarterback play from Daniels, the offense is once again in the spotlight. Nussmeier steps into the starting role with a roster built to contend in the SEC, and now, with the symbolic weight of the No. 18 jersey on his shoulders.
For fans, the symmetry is hard to ignore: in 2003, Mauck wore No. 18 and delivered a championship. In 2025, another quarterback wears the same number with LSU once again chasing the sport’s biggest prize.
Nussmeier, however, isn’t looking to be the next Mauck—he’s focused on writing his own story. “The number connects me to the tradition,” he said, “but at the end of the day, it’s about how we perform as a team. That’s what matters most.”
A Symbol Bigger Than Football
Over the years, No. 18 has transcended stats and highlights. It has become a symbol of what LSU football strives to be—a program built on accountability, sacrifice, and brotherhood. In giving the jersey to Nussmeier, LSU is not just recognizing his talent, but his character and his willingness to put the team first.
As the 2025 season begins, LSU fans will see No. 18 back under center, just as it was when the tradition started. For Garrett Nussmeier, it’s more than a jersey—it’s a calling to lead.
