By Darin Matt Leinart commands the gridiron as one of the most prolific winners in the history of college football. During a breathtaking three-year run at the University of Southern California, the left-handed signal-caller transformed the Trojans into a national juggernaut that rarely tasted defeat. From hoisting the Heisman Trophy to capturing back-to-back national championships, Leinart defined the “Hollywood Era” of USC football with clinical precision and undeniable leadership. Step inside the record-shattering career of the man who wore number 11 and left an indelible mark on the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Bio
May 11, 1983 – Santa Ana, California – Southern California’s quarterback from 2003 to 2005, Matt Leinart, celebrates his date of birth. The Trojan signal caller had one of the top careers in the history of college football.
Matt took home the prestige of the 2004 Heisman Trophy while guiding his USC squad to consecutive national championships, according to the National Football Foundation’s bio on him. Leinart was a two-time First Team All-American. Leinart earned consensus honors in 2004, claiming the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, Manning Award, and AP Player of the Year. Matt was also a two-time Pac-10 Player of the Year as the Trojans claimed consecutive AP national titles after wins in the 2004 Rose Bowl, where he earned MVP honors, and the 2005 Orange Bowl.
In 2005, Leinart finished third in the Heisman voting and led USC to an appearance in the 2006 Rose Bowl, where it lost to Texas. Amazingly, Pete Carroll coached the Trojans during Leinart’s tenure, losing only twice in that span, posting a lofty 37-2 record. He once threw 212 completions without an interception, among many other Pac-10 Conference records.
The standout QB held a school-record three 3,000-yard passing seasons and set 12 other USC records by career’s end. Currently ranked third in school history with 10,693 passing yards, Leinart’s 1.85 percent interception ratio was an NCAA record, and his 94.9 winning percentage was a school record and second-best in NCAA history.
Leinart’s number 11 USC jersey was retired after his last game wearing the uniform. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Matt Leinart into their legendary museum in 2017. Leinart was selected 10th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2006 NFL Draft, playing for the Cardinals, Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders, and Buffalo Bills during his career.
Conclusion
Matt Leinart solidifies his legacy through a nearly flawless 37-2 career record that elevated USC to the pinnacle of the sport. He dominates the Trojan record books, leaving a trail of 99 touchdown passes and over 10,000 yards that still inspire players in Los Angeles today. By maintaining an NCAA-record interception ratio, Leinart proved that a quarterback can be both aggressive and remarkably safe with the football. He remains a foundational figure of the Pete Carroll era, forever immortalized by his retired jersey and his 2017 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Heisman Trophy Winner: 2004.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2017.
- 2× National Champion: 2003, 2004 (AP).
- Walter Camp Player of the Year: 2004.
- Manning Award Winner: 2004.
- AP Player of the Year: 2004.
- 2× Consensus First-Team All-American: 2004, 2005.
- 2× Pac-10 Player of the Year: 2004, 2005.
- Rose Bowl MVP: 2004.
- Unrivaled Winning Percentage: Finished his career with a 94.9% winning rate (37-2).
- NCAA Record Holder: Established a record 1.85% career interception ratio.
- Retired Number: USC retired his #11 jersey.
- First Round NFL Draft Pick: 10th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2006.