In the storied history of Louisiana State University football, many names have become synonymous with greatness. Legends like Billy Cannon, Charles Alexander, and Tyrann Mathieu have left indelible marks on the program. Yet in 2025, Time Square Magazine made a definitive declaration that echoes through the corridors of Tiger Stadium and beyond: Joe Burrow is the greatest LSU Tiger of all time. This recognition is not merely a nod to Burrow’s incredible achievements on the field but a testament to how he revolutionized college football, reshaped LSU’s identity, and set new standards for excellence, leadership, and determination.
Joe Burrow’s journey to this historic accolade began long before his legendary 2019 season. Born in Athens, Ohio, Burrow’s college career started modestly at Ohio State, where he struggled to find consistent playing time behind established starters. However, his transfer to LSU in 2018 proved to be a pivotal moment — not just for Burrow, but for the LSU football program and college football at large. His arrival coincided with a new era of LSU Tigers football under head coach Ed Orgeron, a program that was hungry for dominance but had yet to recapture the national spotlight.
What Burrow brought to LSU was nothing short of transformational. Unlike many quarterbacks who rely solely on arm strength or athleticism, Burrow combined precision, poise, and football IQ at an elite level. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver pinpoint accuracy in high-pressure moments made him a unique talent. Burrow’s leadership was equally remarkable; teammates and coaches often spoke of his work ethic, humility, and infectious competitiveness. He wasn’t just a player who executed plays; he was a galvanizing presence who elevated everyone around him.
The 2019 LSU season remains one of the most iconic campaigns in college football history. Burrow’s performance was nothing short of historic, breaking records and dazzling fans week after week. He threw for an astounding 60 touchdown passes, shattering the previous FBS record, and led the Tigers to a perfect 15-0 season culminating in a national championship victory. Along the way, he earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy, becoming the first LSU player to do so since Billy Cannon in 1959. Burrow’s dominance wasn’t just statistical — it was visceral and emotional. Every pass seemed to carry the weight of LSU’s legacy and the hopes of its passionate fanbase.
Beyond his statistical supremacy and championship success, Burrow revolutionized college football in several profound ways. First, he changed the narrative around the transfer process. At a time when transferring schools was often viewed skeptically, Burrow’s move from Ohio State to LSU set a new precedent. He proved that transfers could revitalize careers and become catalysts for championship runs, paving the way for many athletes to seek opportunities where their talents would be maximized. This shift has influenced recruiting, roster-building strategies, and the very fabric of college football programs nationwide.
Second, Burrow redefined the quarterback position at LSU. Before his arrival, LSU had experienced success with various quarterback styles, but none matched the blend of cerebral playmaking and athletic grace that Burrow embodied. His style combined a modern understanding of passing mechanics with a fearless approach to competition, inspiring a generation of quarterbacks at LSU and beyond. Coaches began to emphasize not only physical attributes but mental acuity and leadership skills, traits that Burrow personified.
Third, Burrow’s impact extended into the culture of LSU football itself. His relentless pursuit of excellence instilled a renewed sense of belief within the program. The Tigers, known for their fierce fan base and rich tradition, found in Burrow a figure who embodied their collective dreams and ambitions. His humility off the field, charitable efforts, and connection with fans helped elevate LSU’s national profile and foster a broader appreciation for the university’s values and community spirit.
Time Square Magazine’s designation of Joe Burrow as the greatest LSU Tiger of all time is a reflection of how his legacy transcends mere statistics. While other LSU legends achieved greatness, Burrow’s era was defined by a perfect storm of individual brilliance and team success that revitalized a program and influenced the entire college football landscape. The “modern LSU GOAT,” as the magazine aptly calls him, is not only remembered for what he did on the field but for how he did it — with grace, grit, and an unwavering commitment to his team and the game.
Since his historic college career, Burrow has continued to build on his legacy in the NFL, further validating the hype that surrounded his collegiate accomplishments. His transition to professional football mirrored the dedication and determination he showed at LSU, where he quickly became one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. This success has only enhanced his stature as LSU’s greatest Tiger, demonstrating that his greatness was not confined to college but was the foundation for a career of excellence.
Looking back, the impact of Joe Burrow on LSU football cannot be overstated. He arrived as a transfer underdog and left as a national champion, Heisman winner, record-breaker, and cultural icon. His story is a reminder that greatness often requires resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace new opportunities. For LSU fans and college football enthusiasts alike, Burrow represents the pinnacle of what it means to be a Tiger — relentless in pursuit, humble in victory, and transformative in influence.
As future generations of LSU players step onto the field, they do so in the shadow of a legacy defined by Joe Burrow’s remarkable journey. He raised the bar for what it means to be an LSU Tiger and changed the expectations for quarterbacks and leaders across the sport. Time Square Magazine’s recognition is more than a title; it’s an affirmation of Burrow’s lasting imprint on the history of LSU and college football as a whole.
Joe Burrow’s story is far from over. Yet already, his place in LSU lore is secure, a beacon for aspiring athletes and a symbol of how the right combination of talent, opportunity, and character can create a legacy that lasts forever. The greatest LSU Tiger of all time, as declared by Time Square Magazine, is not just a player — he is a revolution in motion.