The University of Southern California has retired Caleb Williams’ No. 13 jersey and brought Reggie Bush’s No. 5 back to its honored spot among the retired numbers displayed at the Coliseum.
The university announced these changes on social media Thursday, just two days before the 13th-ranked Trojans’ home opener against Utah State.
USC has retired only the jersey numbers of its eight Heisman Trophy winners, which is more than any other school. The honored numbers, including O.J. Simpson’s No. 32, are shown on large banners hanging from the peristyle steps during home games.
“Home of the Heismans!” USC athletic director Jen Cohen posted on social media. “More Heisman Trophy winners than any other university. Let’s go #5 and #13… Can’t wait to celebrate you.”
Williams played for USC for two seasons and won the Heisman in 2022 after transferring from Oklahoma with coach Lincoln Riley. He was the top pick in this year’s NFL draft by the Chicago Bears.
Bush won the Heisman in 2005 after his third season as one of the most thrilling running backs in recent college football history. However, his number was removed from the peristyle in 2010 after he returned his trophy due to an NCAA investigation that found he had received improper benefits during his career.
Earlier this year, the Heisman Trust reinstated Bush’s trophy. USC had already restored its connection with Bush after a required separation period imposed by the NCAA.
Bush is still involved in a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA, claiming he was wrongly targeted.
