LSU tabs Garrett Nussmeier as new No. 18

Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

By Hunt Palmer

For the first time in more than two decades, LSU’s quarterback will wear No. 18.

Sunday the program announced Garrett Nussmeier, the senior quarterback, will accept the honor passed down from 2003 national championship quarterback Matt Mauck.

The Tradition

Garrett Nussmeier has been awarded the number 18 and becomes the first quarterback to wear it since Matt Mauck pic.twitter.com/3tcx1EL1EG

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) August 24, 2025

Since then 19 players have donned the prestigious number, but none have been signal callers.

As a junior, Nussmeier threw for better than 4,000 yards, second best in school history, and had the opportunity to turn professional. Instead, he opted for one more season in Baton Rouge.

The No. 18 represents leadership and commitment to the program. Nussmeier has displayed both while waiting his turn as a three-year backup and spurning the NFL Draft for one final season.

During an interview with Matt Moscona on After Further Review at SEC Media Days in July, Nussmeier said it would be “an honor” to wear 18 during his senior season.

“I would not be able to say no to that,” Nussmeier said. “If I was chosen and it was me to wear 18, then I would definitely wear 18 with a lot of pride.”