In a historic announcement that has sent shockwaves through the world of college football, ESPN has officially declared former LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college men’s football. The decision comes after an exhaustive evaluation of statistics, impact, and legacy, with Burrow edging out three other legendary finalists: Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech, Herschel Walker of Georgia, and Joe Montana of Notre Dame. The debate over who truly deserves the title of college football’s GOAT has raged for decades, but Burrow’s transcendent 2019 season, combined with his undeniable influence on the sport, has cemented his place at the top of the pantheon.
The journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary for Burrow, who arrived at LSU as a relatively unheralded transfer from Ohio State. Few could have predicted that in just two seasons, he would rewrite the record books and deliver one of the most dominant individual campaigns in the history of the sport. His 2019 season was a masterclass in quarterback play, as he threw for an NCAA-record 60 touchdowns and 5,671 yards while leading the Tigers to a perfect 15-0 record and a national championship. His precision, poise, and leadership were unmatched, and his performances in high-pressure moments—particularly in the College Football Playoff—solidified his legend.
To fully appreciate Burrow’s claim to the GOAT title, it’s essential to examine the careers of the other finalists he surpassed. Michael Crabtree, the electrifying wide receiver from Texas Tech, was a two-time Biletnikoff Award winner who redefined the position with his physicality and playmaking ability. His iconic game-winning touchdown catch against Texas in 2008 remains one of the most memorable plays in college football history. Herschel Walker, the bruising running back from Georgia, was a once-in-a-generation talent who dominated the sport in the early 1980s, amassing 5,259 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns in just three seasons. His combination of speed and power made him nearly unstoppable, and he led the Bulldogs to a national championship in 1980. Then there’s Joe Montana, the golden-armed quarterback from Notre Dame, whose clutch performances and ice-cool demeanor under pressure earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s greatest winners long before his NFL superstardom.
Yet, despite the undeniable greatness of these legends, Burrow’s case stands apart. While Crabtree, Walker, and Montana were all transformative players in their own right, none quite matched the sheer dominance and completeness of Burrow’s 2019 campaign. His numbers were video game-like, but it was the way he elevated his entire team that set him apart. LSU’s offense under Burrow and offensive coordinator Joe Brady was a revolutionary force, blending pro-style concepts with spread principles to create an unstoppable attack. Burrow didn’t just put up stats—he dismantled elite defenses with surgical precision, whether it was carving up Alabama in Tuscaloosa or outdueling Jalen Hurts and Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl.
Beyond the numbers, Burrow’s cultural impact cannot be overstated. In an era where college football is more competitive than ever, he became a folk hero, embodying the underdog spirit that defines the sport. His Heisman Trophy speech, where he tearfully acknowledged the struggles of his hometown in Ohio, resonated far beyond football, showcasing his humility and connection to the people who supported him. He wasn’t just a player; he was a symbol of perseverance and excellence.
The debate over the GOAT in any sport is inherently subjective, but ESPN’s panel of analysts, historians, and former players weighed several key factors in Burrow’s favor. First, his peak performance was arguably the highest in college football history. No quarterback had ever produced a season like his 2019 campaign, and it’s possible none ever will again. Second, his team’s success was unparalleled—LSU didn’t just win the national title; they obliterated their competition, defeating seven top-10 teams along the way. Third, his influence on the game’s evolution is undeniable. Burrow’s success helped popularize the modern, pass-heavy offensive schemes that now dominate college football, leaving a lasting tactical legacy.
Of course, some will argue that longevity should play a bigger role in the GOAT discussion. Herschel Walker, for instance, was a force for three full seasons, while Burrow’s time as a starter at LSU was relatively brief. Others might point to Joe Montana’s undefeated championship season in 1977 or his iconic “Chicken Soup Game” comeback against Houston as evidence of his clutch gene. And Michael Crabtree’s back-to-back Biletnikoff Awards speak to his sustained excellence in an era where wide receivers rarely dominated the way he did.
But in the end, Burrow’s combination of statistical supremacy, team success, and cultural resonance tipped the scales in his favor. His 2019 season wasn’t just great—it was a perfect storm of individual brilliance and team excellence, the kind of year that transcends eras and becomes the standard by which all others are measured. When future generations look back on college football’s greatest players, Burrow’s name will sit atop the list, not just for what he accomplished, but for how he made the sport feel during his time in Baton Rouge.
As the dust settles on ESPN’s announcement, one thing is clear: Joe Burrow’s legacy is forever etched in college football lore. Whether you agree with the decision or not, his place in history is now undeniable. And for those who witnessed his magic in 2019, there’s no doubt—he wasn’t just the best player in the country that year. He was the greatest of all time.
