Brian Kelly provides timeline on naming No. 7, No. 18 players for 2023 season

A tradition LSU players and fans enjoy on a yearly basis is the handing out of two jersey numbers. Every year down on the Bayou, the No. 7 and No. 18 are given out for two different reasons. No. 7 is usually worn by a playmaker on the field, while somebody wears No. 18 for being a great example on and off the field.

Thus far, nobody has earned the two honors heading into the 2023 season. However, head coach Brian Kelly did provide an update on when the news could be broken. The Florida State matchup is just under two weeks away but LSU fans should be on the lookout.

“We’ve given it great thought,” Kelly said. “It’s certainly something that I know a lot of people are anticipating. I would say probably by the end of this week, we’ll have some kind of announcement.”

More than likely, the LSU team will find out first. Kelly can make an announcement during a team meeting, knowing how important wearing the numbers are. It could produce a cool moment, with Tiger players being hyped for their fellow teammates.

As for how the fans will find out, we do not know yet. LSU’s social media team most likely has something in the works, getting ready to produce a video for Twitter and such. Now, all anyone can do is sit in anticipation for one of the best traditions in all of the SEC.

LSU players passing down the No. 7 and No. 18

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte wore No. 7 last season and was expected to be a huge asset for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Boutte did have a few bright spots, including his performance against Florida and the SEC Championship against Georgia. He finished as LSU’s second-leading receiver with 538 yards.

On the other end, BJ Ojulari earned No. 18 in the first year of Kelly’s tenure. Ojulari had been around for a longer period, though, entering his third season with the program. He impressed the new LSU coaching staff right away and was able to rock the famous number during the 2022 season.

Unfortunately, neither guy will play football in Baton Rouge this fall. Boutte was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2023 NFL Draft, while Ojulari heard his name called by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round.

Fresh faces will be rocking the No. 7 and No. 18 on Sept. 3 in Orlando against Florida State.