In a defining moment for college football history, ESPN has officially named LSU legend Joe Burrow as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in men’s college football. Burrow, who delivered one of the most dominant seasons in NCAA history during his 2019 campaign, earned the top spot over iconic players such as Georgia’s Herschel Walker, Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree, and Notre Dame’s Joe Montana.
The recognition, determined through a combination of expert panel voting, statistical analysis, and fan input, places Burrow at the summit of college football greatness. It’s a fitting honor for a player whose college legacy transcended numbers and helped redefine what elite quarterback play looks like in the modern game.
A Season for the Ages
Joe Burrow’s 2019 season with the LSU Tigers is widely regarded as the most outstanding individual performance in college football history. Burrow passed for 5,671 yards and an astonishing 60 touchdowns—both SEC records—while completing 76.3% of his passes. His calm poise, elite decision-making, and pinpoint accuracy led LSU to a perfect 15-0 season and a national championship.
Burrow also won the Heisman Trophy by the largest margin in the award’s history, receiving 90.7% of the first-place votes. His dominance was on full display in the College Football Playoff, where he dismantled Oklahoma with eight total touchdowns and followed it up by beating defending champion Clemson in the title game.
Outshining the Legends
The ESPN GOAT ranking pitted Burrow against three iconic players from different eras and styles:
- Herschel Walker: The 1982 Heisman winner and Georgia Bulldogs legend rushed for 5,259 yards and 49 touchdowns in his career, carrying UGA to a national title in 1980. He was a symbol of power, speed, and dominance.
- Joe Montana: The Notre Dame legend was known for his clutch performances, especially in the 1979 Cotton Bowl where he led a miraculous comeback in freezing conditions.
- Michael Crabtree: A dynamic wide receiver for Texas Tech, Crabtree won back-to-back Biletnikoff Awards and was known for one of the greatest game-winning catches in college football history, beating Texas in 2008.
While each rival boasts a legacy of their own, Burrow’s historic season and championship run elevated him above the rest in ESPN’s eyes.
More Than Stats
What set Burrow apart was more than just the numbers—it was his leadership, football IQ, and the transformation he brought to the LSU program. Before Burrow’s arrival, LSU was known for elite defense and conservative offense. In 2019, under Burrow and offensive coordinator Joe Brady, LSU became an offensive juggernaut, rewriting SEC and NCAA records weekly.
Burrow’s story—from a backup at Ohio State to an LSU icon—has resonated with fans nationwide, and his impact is still being felt across college football. His legacy continues in the NFL, but it is his unforgettable 2019 season that cemented his place in college football immortality.
Conclusion
By being named the Greatest of All Time by ESPN, Joe Burrow’s college career has officially received the recognition it deserves. In a field of all-time legends, Burrow’s complete dominance, leadership, and championship pedigree have placed him at the top—a true GOAT in every sense.
