Where does LSU’s Joe Burrow rank on FOX’s all-time Heisman list?

In the world of college football, the Heisman Trophy stands as one of the highest individual honors a player can achieve. Each year, this prestigious award is given to the best player in college football, often leaving an indelible mark on the player’s career and legacy. Throughout the history of college football, there have been numerous Heisman winners who have redefined the game, but few have made as lasting an impact as Joe Burrow. Burrow, the LSU quarterback who won the 2019 Heisman Trophy, not only revolutionized the LSU football program but also helped elevate the entire college football landscape.

When FOX Sports recently released its list of all-time Heisman rankings, many fans and analysts eagerly awaited the placement of Joe Burrow. His incredible 2019 season—marked by record-breaking performances, an undefeated national championship run, and a dominant Heisman-winning campaign—has made him one of the most iconic figures in recent college football history. So, where does Burrow rank among the greatest Heisman winners of all time? And what does his ranking on FOX’s list say about his place in the annals of college football history?

1. The 2019 Season: A Heisman-Worthy Campaign

Before diving into where Joe Burrow ranks on FOX’s all-time Heisman list, it’s essential to reflect on the historical significance of his 2019 season. Burrow’s Heisman victory wasn’t just a result of his outstanding play; it was the culmination of an exceptional year in which he broke records, led LSU to a national title, and fundamentally changed the way we think about the quarterback position.

Burrow’s performance in 2019 was nothing short of historic. The LSU quarterback threw for 5,671 yards, 60 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. His efficiency, poise, and leadership on the field were unmatched. He set multiple SEC and NCAA records, including the most touchdown passes in a single season in both the SEC and college football history. He finished the regular season with a passer rating of 202, an astounding mark for a quarterback at the college level.

However, the Heisman Trophy is not just about statistical dominance. Burrow’s ability to elevate his teammates and lead LSU to a perfect 15-0 record and a national championship was the defining feature of his season. Under head coach Ed Orgeron, LSU’s offense was explosive, thanks to Burrow’s chemistry with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who introduced a more dynamic, pass-heavy scheme. Burrow’s leadership was key in LSU’s dismantling of some of the nation’s top teams, including Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.

The Heisman race that year wasn’t close. Burrow dominated the voting, receiving 2,608 points, with 841 first-place votes. The closest competitor, Jalen Hurts of Oklahoma, finished with just 762 points. This overwhelming victory underscored the magnitude of Burrow’s season and solidified his place in college football history.

2. FOX’s All-Time Heisman List: The Criteria for Ranking

FOX Sports’ all-time Heisman list is an ambitious attempt to evaluate the greatest players in college football history. The rankings take into account multiple factors, including individual statistics, the impact a player had on the game, their overall legacy, and, of course, their Heisman-winning season.

When considering a player’s place on this list, there is an acknowledgment that some Heisman winners have gone on to have illustrious careers in the NFL, while others may have been less successful in the professional ranks. However, the core focus of the rankings is the player’s college football career and the impact they had on the sport during their time in school.

FOX’s rankings are subjective, but they attempt to balance a number of elements, such as:

• Individual performance: Stats like total yards, touchdowns, and passing efficiency matter, but a player’s ability to perform in big moments and lead their team to success is also critical.
• Team success: Heisman winners who led their teams to national championships or undefeated seasons tend to rank higher.
• Long-term impact: Players who changed the game, influenced the position they played, or left a lasting legacy are generally given a higher ranking.
• Cultural significance: The way a Heisman winner is remembered by fans and the media can elevate their standing in all-time rankings.

Burrow’s 2019 season checks nearly every box on this list, from record-breaking individual performance to leading LSU to a national title. But where does he stand among some of the most legendary names in college football history?

3. Joe Burrow’s Ranking on FOX’s All-Time Heisman List

FOX’s all-time Heisman list places Joe Burrow at No. 9—a ranking that reflects both his outstanding performance in 2019 and the lasting legacy he’s carved out for himself in college football history. This ranking puts Burrow among a prestigious group of players who have redefined the game.

To fully appreciate Burrow’s place at No. 9, it’s important to understand the players who are ranked ahead of him. At the top of the list are some of the greatest college football players of all time, including:

• No. 1 – Jim Brown (Syracuse, 1956): Brown was one of the most dominant players in college football history, and his performance at Syracuse was the stuff of legend. His ability to run over and through opponents set the stage for an NFL Hall of Fame career.
• No. 2 – Archie Griffin (Ohio State, 1974, 1975): Griffin is the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice, which cements his place among the all-time greats. His leadership and production for Ohio State during their two national championship seasons make him an undeniable figure in college football history.
• No. 3 – Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State, 1988): Sanders’ 1988 season is one of the most iconic in college football history. He rushed for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in a single season, leading Oklahoma State to national prominence.

Other notable players like Tim Tebow, Bo Jackson, and Johnny Manziel are also part of the list, which showcases the incredible depth of Heisman-winning talent in the sport’s history.

Despite being ranked No. 9, Joe Burrow’s place on the list is significant. His 2019 season was one of the best single-season performances ever, and his leadership of LSU to the national championship adds a unique dimension to his legacy. His ranking ahead of some incredible players reflects the transformative impact Burrow had on college football during his one historic season.

4. Why Joe Burrow Belongs in the Top 10

Burrow’s Heisman-winning campaign was not only dominant in terms of statistics, but it also showcased a rare level of leadership, poise, and clutch performance that is often the defining trait of all-time greats. His ranking at No. 9 is justified for several key reasons:

• Historical Significance: Burrow’s 2019 season was a watershed moment for LSU and college football as a whole. His performance not only led LSU to its first national title since 2007, but it also helped redefine the modern passing game in college football. The introduction of Joe Brady’s pass-heavy offense at LSU, combined with Burrow’s ability to execute it flawlessly, changed the way teams approach offensive strategy.
• Record-Breaking Numbers: Burrow’s 60 touchdown passes set a new single-season record in the SEC, breaking the previous mark held by former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel. His 5,671 passing yards were also a record in the SEC, surpassing the mark set by former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. Burrow’s efficiency was also unparalleled, with a 202 passer rating that demonstrated his ability to make plays in all situations.
• Big Game Performance: Burrow’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in crucial moments, solidified his place among the all-time greats. His performances in LSU’s victories over Alabama and Georgia—two teams with dominant defenses—cemented his reputation as one of the best quarterbacks in college football history. His performances in the College Football Playoff, particularly in the national championship win over Clemson, showed a player who could lead his team to victory on the biggest stage.
• The LSU Legacy: LSU football had been a program with potential but had fallen short of consistent success in the national title hunt before Burrow’s arrival. His leadership, skill, and ability to inspire his teammates helped elevate LSU to new heights, and his legacy continues to define the program to this day. Burrow’s impact on LSU football cannot be overstated, and his place on FOX’s all-time Heisman list reflects this.

5. The Future of Joe Burrow’s Legacy

Since winning the Heisman Trophy, Joe Burrow has gone on to achieve great success in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, including a Super Bowl appearance in his second year in the league. Burrow’s success in the NFL has only further cemented his place as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in recent football history. However, it is his 2019 Heisman-winning season at LSU that will forever be his defining legacy in college football.

As Burrow continues his NFL career, his Heisman ranking will undoubtedly stand as a reminder of his greatness in college football. FOX’s all-time Heisman list acknowledges Burrow’s extraordinary season, and it’s likely that his ranking will continue to be a point of pride for LSU fans and college football enthusiasts.