In the pantheon of LSU greats, names like Billy Cannon, Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, Ja’Marr Chase, and Leonard Fournette echo through the hallways of Tiger Stadium with reverence. But in 2025, Time Square Magazine has settled a debate that has stirred the LSU faithful for years: Joe Burrow is the Greatest LSU Tiger of All Time. Not just the greatest quarterback or offensive player — the greatest, period.
To many, this honor was inevitable. Burrow’s legendary 2019 season transcended college football and elevated the LSU program to historic levels. He was the face of one of the greatest teams in the sport’s 150-year history. But more than the accolades, statistics, and hardware, it was his unwavering confidence, cerebral command of the game, and cultural impact that cemented his status as the modern LSU GOAT.
The Heisman Run: A Moment in Time
Burrow’s 2019 Heisman Trophy campaign was nothing short of cinematic. In fact, it felt more like destiny than competition. He received a record-breaking 90.7% of first-place votes, the largest margin of victory in Heisman history at the time. He threw for 5,671 yards, completed 76.3% of his passes, and posted a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 60:6. His 60 touchdown passes remain an FBS single-season record, surpassing previous marks with alarming ease.
But what truly distinguished Burrow’s Heisman moment wasn’t just the numbers. It was the story. Here was a kid from Athens, Ohio, who transferred from Ohio State, overlooked and underappreciated, arriving in Baton Rouge with a chip on his shoulder and fire in his veins. He won over a locker room, an entire university, and a fan base that had long craved a quarterback of his caliber.
In a now-iconic Heisman acceptance speech, Burrow paid tribute to his hometown of Athens, drawing attention to poverty in the region and inspiring an outpouring of donations to a local food bank. That moment captured the essence of who Joe Burrow is — brilliant on the field, profoundly aware off it.
Perfection Personified: The 15-0 Season
Burrow’s 2019 LSU team was the college football equivalent of a juggernaut. They didn’t just win games — they dominated.
The Tigers steamrolled through a gauntlet of elite opponents:
- Alabama in Tuscaloosa — Ending an eight-year drought against the Crimson Tide, Burrow led LSU to a 46-41 win, throwing for 393 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Georgia in the SEC Championship — LSU annihilated the SEC East champs 37-10, with Burrow tossing 4 touchdowns and running wild.
- Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl (CFP Semifinal) — A 63-28 dismantling where Burrow tied an FBS bowl record with 7 touchdown passes — all in the first half.
- Clemson in the National Championship Game — Facing the defending champs and a 29-game winning streak, Burrow delivered 463 yards of offense and 6 total touchdowns, leading LSU to a 42-25 win.
This historic run culminated in a perfect 15-0 record, the first in LSU history and one of the few in college football’s modern era. The Tigers became the first team to beat four top-4 ranked teams in a single season — Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Clemson — a feat that might never be repeated.
Every week, Burrow faced elite defenses and outdueled some of the best quarterbacks in the country. And yet, he was always in command. Calm. Unshakable. Deadly.
Cultural Icon in Baton Rouge and Beyond
Joe Burrow’s impact at LSU wasn’t limited to the gridiron. His swagger, toughness, and leadership made him a cultural icon in Baton Rouge. He became “Burreaux” — spelled the Cajun way — fully embraced by Louisiana’s rich heritage.
In one of the most memorable scenes of the 2019 season, Burrow emerged for Senior Night wearing a customized LSU jersey that read “BURREAUX” across the back. That moment wasn’t just a nod to the fans — it was a symbol of adoption. Joe Burrow, the Ohio transplant, had become a son of Louisiana.
The energy around LSU football reached unprecedented levels. Coach Ed Orgeron’s gravelly “Geaux Tigers” became a national catchphrase. The LSU campus buzzed like never before. Restaurants, bars, and classrooms would erupt at the mere mention of Burrow’s name.
In the aftermath of the national championship, Baton Rouge held a parade and celebration that rivaled Mardi Gras. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about how Burrow made them believe. Believe that LSU wasn’t just a defensive powerhouse or a “good” team — they were the best.
Elevating the LSU Brand
Before Burrow, LSU was already a proud program with three national championships (1958, 2003, 2007) and a legacy of NFL talent. But it lacked a modern offensive identity. The program had long leaned on defense and power running, often struggling at the quarterback position.
Joe Burrow changed that overnight.
Under first-year passing game coordinator Joe Brady, Burrow led an offensive revolution at LSU. The Tigers averaged 48.4 points per game, leading the nation in nearly every offensive category. He orchestrated a spread offense with surgical precision, elevating teammates like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Clyde Edwards-Helaire into household names and future NFL stars.
Suddenly, LSU wasn’t just a recruiting destination for defensive backs and linemen — it became Quarterback U. Recruits saw LSU as a place where you could throw 60 touchdowns, win the Heisman, and be the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick.
Burrow singlehandedly shifted the trajectory of the program’s offensive philosophy, making LSU a more balanced, modern threat. That change continues to resonate in the Tigers’ approach to quarterback development and offensive play calling.
Leadership, Legacy, and the GOAT Label
While stats and championships are the foundation of greatness, what sets Burrow apart is his leadership. He was respected and beloved in the locker room. His work ethic was legendary. Teammates trusted him implicitly. He spoke little but led loudly with his actions.
When LSU trailed 14-0 against Clemson in the national title game, there was no panic. Burrow calmly rallied the troops, adjusted to Brent Venables’ defense, and led a 42-11 run to end the game. That performance encapsulated his entire LSU career — cool, calculated, and composed.
His demeanor — often described as “ice in his veins” — became mythic. Whether throwing a touchdown in the final seconds or jogging off the field with a smirk, Burrow exuded unflappable confidence.
This is why Time Square Magazine’s choice resonates so strongly. Joe Burrow wasn’t just the best LSU player for a season — he’s the gold standard by which all future Tigers will be judged.
The NFL Transition and Continuing Legacy
Selected No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow has carried his LSU brilliance to the professional level. He led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in over three decades during the 2021 season and has established himself as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
His success in the NFL has only magnified his college legacy. With every touchdown pass and clutch fourth-quarter drive in Cincinnati, the legend of LSU’s No. 9 grows. His presence remains felt in Baton Rouge, where murals of Burrow still decorate buildings and his jersey hangs proudly in Tiger Stadium.
In 2022, LSU formally honored Burrow by unveiling a statue outside Tiger Stadium, immortalizing his place in school history. The inscription below it reads simply: “Forever LSU.”
Comparisons and Context
It’s difficult — and perhaps unfair — to compare eras. Billy Cannon won the Heisman in 1959 and remains LSU’s first national football icon. Tyrann Mathieu electrified fans like few defenders ever have. Ja’Marr Chase, Patrick Peterson, and Leonard Fournette were transcendent talents.
But no player in LSU history had a single-season impact on and off the field like Joe Burrow. He didn’t just win games — he changed the perception of an entire program, redefined its culture, and authored the greatest season in college football history.