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LSU has a tradition involving the jersey No. 18. Per the team’s official website, the No. 18 is “synonymous with success — both on and off the field — as well as a selfless attitude that has become the epitome of being an LSU football player.”
The honorary recipient of the jersey for the 2023 season is defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo.
The Traits of Excellence, Spirit and Talent to Wear No. 18 pic.twitter.com/953mrI4wWa
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) August 26, 2023
Wingo transferred to LSU from Missouri prior to the 2022 season and immediately became a key contributor. The defensive tackle collected 46 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks in his first season in Baton Rouge.
The No. 18 jersey tradition can be traced back to the 2003 season. The jersey was worn by QB Matt Mauck when he led the team to it’s first national title since 1958. The jersey was then passed to RB Jacob Hester who was a key part of the 2007 championship team.
Most recently, kicker Avery Atkins and edge BJ Ojulari have sported the jersey.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
