USC retires Caleb Williams' No. 13, restores Reggie Bush's No. 5

Field Level Media|published: Thu 5th September, 19:48 2024

Dec 10, 2022; New York, NY, USA; Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams poses for photos during a press conference in the Astor Ballroom at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York, NY, after winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A pair of Heisman Trophy winners were further cemented into Southern California's legacy Thursday, as the Trojans retired quarterback Caleb Williams' No. 13 jersey and running back Reggie Bush's No. 5.

The program revealed Williams' jersey retirement on a social media video that featured music artists Snoop Dogg and John Legend along with USC coach Lincoln Riley, Trojans women's basketball star JuJu Watkins and a host of Williams' teammates.

Williams became USC's eighth and most recent Heisman winner when he threw for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns in 2022, his first year with the Trojans. The eight Heisman Trophy winners are the only Trojans to have had their numbers retired. Williams was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears this April after piling up 8,170 passing yards and 72 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions in his two seasons at USC.

Bush had his number retired for the second time. USC removed his number in 2010 following NCAA sanctions against the program involving Bush, who received improper benefits during his tenure with the Trojans.

Bush had his 2005 Heisman Trophy stripped and said he did not want to be associated with USC football if his award was not returned to him. The Heisman Trust did just that, reinstating the trophy to Bush in April, and Bush is expected to lead the Trojans onto the field before a game this season, per ESPN.

Bush averaged 7.3 yards per carry and 13.7 yards per catch during his electrifying three years at USC from 2003-05. He racked up 4,470 yards and 38 touchdowns from scrimmage along with four kick/punt return TDs.

--Field Level Media

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