The NCAA stipulates that players must wear uniform numbers between 1 and 99 and no two players may wear the same number on the field at the same time. Unlike the NFL, however, there are no rules that require a player to wear a number within a certain range based on their primary positions.
That's why Indiana quarterback Richard Lagow is able to wear No. 21 for the Hoosiers this season. Quarterbacks typically don numbers 1 through 19, but there have been a few exceptions over the years. We've compiled a list of the quarterbacks who have started an FBS game while donning an unusual number over the last 35 years.
MIAMI'S BERNIE KOSAR – 1982-84
BOSTON COLLEGE'S DOUG FLUTIE – 1982-84
TENNESSEE'S HEATH SHULER - 1990-93
NEW MEXICO'S STATE'S STONEY CASE - 1991-94
KENTUCKY'S JARED LORENZEN – 1999-2003
MISSISSIPPI STATE'S CHRIS RELF – 2011 GATOR BOWL
Chris Relf, who typically donned the No. 14, honored Mississippi State teammate Nick Bell by wearing his No. 36. Bell, a sophomore defensive end, lost his battle with cancer during the season.
MARYLAND'S SHAWN PETTY - 2012
Maryland linebacker Shawn Petty was thrust under center when the Terrapins lost their top four quarterbacks to season-ending injuries.
MICHIGAN'S DEVIN GARDNER - 2013
Devin Gardner was awarded the No. 98 as part of the Michigan Legends Program, honoring 1940 Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon. Gardner previously wore numbers 7 and 12.
INDIANA'S RICHARD LAGOW – 2016
All images courtesy of USA TODAY Sports
