ESPN REPORT: Legendary LSU Tigers football player Joe Burrow has been officially declared the Greatest of All Time in collegiate men’s football, defeating three major rivals:
Joe Burrow’s journey to being officially declared the Greatest of All Time in collegiate men’s football by ESPN has solidified not just his legacy, but also the lasting impact of his magical 2019 season with the LSU Tigers. In a competition designed to settle a long-standing debate among fans, analysts, and former players, ESPN assembled a panel of experts and fans alike to determine the greatest player in college football history. In a field loaded with iconic names and unforgettable seasons, it was Burrow who rose above the rest, surpassing three legendary rivals: Tim Tebow, Vince Young, and Reggie Bush. Each of these players carried with them a resume of excellence and unforgettable moments, but none could quite match the perfection, dominance, and storybook narrative of what Joe Burrow accomplished at LSU.
Burrow’s rise to prominence is as remarkable as his accomplishments. Originally beginning his college career at Ohio State, Burrow found himself stuck behind a crowded quarterback room, including Dwayne Haskins and J.T. Barrett. Despite showing flashes of talent, he never received a real opportunity to showcase what he could do in a starting role. Rather than fade into obscurity, Burrow made the life-changing decision to transfer to LSU. It was a move that not only altered his future but rewrote the history books of college football.
In his first season with the Tigers in 2018, Burrow helped lay the foundation for what would come next. LSU finished the season 10-3, and while Burrow’s numbers were respectable, they didn’t hint at the explosion that was to follow. With the addition of Joe Brady to the offensive staff in 2019 and the evolution of LSU’s offensive scheme into a modern, pro-style attack, Burrow was given the keys to a Ferrari and responded by driving it like few quarterbacks ever had before. His 2019 season is now the stuff of legend: 5,671 passing yards, 60 touchdown passes, and just six interceptions, all while completing 76.3% of his passes. These numbers weren’t just impressive—they shattered records and expectations.
But beyond the stats, it was how Burrow dominated that set him apart. In a grueling SEC schedule, he carved up elite defenses week after week. He led LSU to a perfect 15-0 season, defeating multiple top-ten teams along the way. The Tigers beat Texas, Florida, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Clemson—each victory more resounding than the last. The semifinal blowout of Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl, in which Burrow threw seven touchdown passes in the first half alone, was a staggering display of offensive might. Then came the national championship game, where Burrow faced off against Trevor Lawrence and the defending champion Clemson Tigers. As he had all season, Burrow delivered under pressure, throwing for 463 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-25 triumph.
In crowning Burrow the GOAT, ESPN’s panel considered not just stats or wins, but the context and quality of those achievements. Tim Tebow, one of Burrow’s primary challengers, remains one of the most decorated and influential players in college football history. His leadership, dual-threat capabilities, and two national championships with Florida, including a Heisman Trophy win in 2007, left an indelible mark on the sport. Vince Young, meanwhile, authored perhaps the single greatest performance in a championship game with his heroics in the 2006 Rose Bowl, leading Texas to an epic victory over USC in one of the most iconic games ever played. Reggie Bush, another titan of the early 2000s, dazzled fans with his breathtaking athleticism and highlight-reel plays during his time at USC, earning a Heisman Trophy and helping to lead the Trojans to a national championship.
Each of these men had defining moments and legacies that transcended the gridiron. Tebow inspired a generation of players with his faith, toughness, and fiery leadership. Young’s run against USC still ranks as one of the greatest clutch moments in sports. Bush redefined what a running back could do with the ball in his hands. Yet, in comparing careers, Burrow’s perfect season and his role as the singular catalyst behind one of the most dominant teams in history placed him in a tier of his own.
It’s rare in college football for one player to completely transform a program and simultaneously dominate at such a high level. What Burrow did for LSU was nothing short of revolutionary. Prior to his arrival, LSU had struggled to find consistency at quarterback for over a decade. Despite producing elite NFL talent at nearly every position, the Tigers’ offenses had often been pedestrian, relying on defense and a strong running game. Burrow’s emergence changed that narrative entirely. He not only elevated LSU’s offense to unprecedented heights but also reshaped the SEC and forced programs across the country to rethink their approach to offense.
Burrow’s 2019 season wasn’t just dominant—it was poetic. He played with a calm confidence, processing defenses with surgical precision and delivering the ball with accuracy and poise. His leadership was evident, not through fiery speeches, but through consistent execution and belief in his teammates. Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson flourished under Burrow, as did running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The offensive line, awarded the Joe Moore Award as the nation’s best, protected a quarterback who rarely made mistakes.
When Burrow won the Heisman Trophy, his acceptance speech captured the hearts of millions. Speaking through tears, he reflected on his journey, thanked his coaches, family, and teammates, and gave a special shoutout to the people of southeast Ohio, his home region. The sincerity and humility he displayed resonated deeply and highlighted the kind of person he is off the field. In that moment, it was clear that Burrow wasn’t just a great player—he was the embodiment of what college football hopes to represent.
ESPN’s decision to name him the Greatest of All Time was met with widespread approval. Analysts praised the completeness of his game, the context of his achievements, and the once-in-a-lifetime nature of his season. Fans across the country, even those loyal to other programs, acknowledged the brilliance of what they had witnessed. The criteria used by ESPN’s panel were exhaustive, including individual performance, team success, quality of opposition, leadership, and impact on the game. In each category, Burrow received top marks.
Even as he transitioned to the NFL, where he became the No. 1 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, Burrow’s collegiate legacy remained intact. Injuries may have delayed the early stages of his professional career, but his talent and competitive spirit carried over seamlessly. His success at the next level has only further validated the greatness of his college years, reinforcing that his performance at LSU was not a fluke, but the product of an elite quarterback in complete control of his craft.
The GOAT debate will always be subjective to some degree, and nostalgia often plays a significant role in how fans perceive greatness. But what Joe Burrow did in 2019 left little room for argument. In the era of social media, advanced metrics, and 24/7 sports coverage, his every move was scrutinized and magnified. And yet, under that intense spotlight, he never wavered. His confidence never became arrogance. His focus never wavered. His performance never dipped. From week one to the national title game, Burrow was a relentless force of nature.
For LSU fans, Burrow is more than just a great player—he’s a legend who brought joy and pride to a program and a state that live and breathe football. The murals, statues, and tributes to him around Baton Rouge are not mere decoration—they are acknowledgments of a man who delivered everything a fanbase could dream of and more.
In defeating Tebow, Young, and Bush in ESPN’s bracket-style tournament to determine the greatest, Burrow didn’t just win a popularity contest. He won a recognition of sustained, unmatched excellence. Each of his rivals brought a unique greatness to the game, but none matched the totality of what Burrow delivered in his final year. The numbers were historic. The wins were dominant. The moments were unforgettable.
The title of GOAT in college football is one of the highest individual honors in American sports. It represents not just talent, but impact, legacy, and the ability to rise above even the most elite competition. Joe Burrow didn’t merely win games—he changed the conversation. He redefined expectations. And now, with ESPN’s official declaration, he takes his rightful place atop the mountain of college football history, the Greatest of All Time.
