LSU center Braelin Moore has been selected to carry one of the most prestigious honors in the Tigers’ football program, joining the tradition of No. 18.
LSU announced Wednesday that Moore has been chosen to represent the number, which has come to symbolize leadership, selflessness and what it means to represent LSU football both on and off the field.
Moore becomes just the second offensive lineman to receive the honor. Former LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry III became the first in 2019, when he shared No. 18 honors with linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson.
Because of NCAA numbering rules for offensive linemen, Moore will represent No. 18 with a patch on his uniform rather than actually wearing the number during games, just as Cushenberry did during LSU’s 2019 national championship season.
The No. 18 tradition traces back to quarterback Matt Mauck, who led LSU to the 2003 BCS national championship — the Tigers’ first football national title since 1958.
Following his LSU career, Mauck helped establish the tradition by passing No. 18 to running back Jacob Hester. The idea was for the jersey to go to a player who represented the qualities LSU wanted from its football players, including leadership, maturity, success and a team-first approach.
Hester wore No. 18 throughout his LSU career and helped the Tigers capture another national championship in 2007, further cementing the number's place in LSU lore.
Since then, No. 18 has been awarded to a distinguished list of Tigers that includes Richard Dickson, Brandon Taylor, Bennie Logan, Lamin Barrow, Terrence Magee, Tre'Davious White, Foster Moreau, Chaisson, Cushenberry, Damone Clark, BJ Ojulari and Mekhi Wingo.
The tradition has become so closely associated with LSU football that a No. 18 LSU jersey is displayed in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Now Moore becomes the latest Tiger entrusted with carrying that legacy — and only the second offensive lineman to receive the honor.
