LSU legend Joe Burrow has officially been crowned the greatest college football player ever, beating out Michael Crabtree, Herschel Walker, and Joe Montana in the final rankings.

Before Joe Burrow became a household name and a national icon, his journey through college football was marked by resilience, patience, and determination. A native of Athens, Ohio, Burrow initially committed to Ohio State, where he spent three seasons primarily as a backup quarterback. Despite showing promise in limited opportunities, he was buried on the depth chart behind talented quarterbacks like J.T. Barrett and Dwayne Haskins.

In 2018, seeking a chance to start and prove himself, Burrow transferred to LSU. The move was met with cautious optimism—Burrow was talented, but unproven as a full-time starter. Little did anyone know, that transfer would eventually reshape the college football landscape.

His first season at LSU in 2018 was solid, but not spectacular. He passed for 2,894 yards and 16 touchdowns, helping the Tigers to a 10-3 record. It laid the groundwork for what was to come, and it was in the offseason leading up to 2019 that everything changed.

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### **The Joe Brady Effect: A Perfect Match of Scheme and Skill**

A key turning point in Burrow’s rise was the hiring of Joe Brady as LSU’s passing game coordinator in 2019. Fresh off his stint with the New Orleans Saints, Brady brought a modernized, pro-style spread offense to Baton Rouge—an ideal fit for Burrow’s accuracy, vision, and football IQ.

Under Brady and offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger, the LSU offense exploded. Burrow thrived in the new system, displaying incredible poise, timing, and decision-making. He was able to dissect defenses with surgical precision, and the Tigers became virtually unstoppable on offense.

This perfect storm of coaching, scheme, and talent elevated not only Burrow’s play but also transformed LSU into the most dominant team in college football. His connection with star receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson became legendary, with all three going on to succeed at the next level.

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### **Signature Wins: The Games That Defined a Legend**

To be considered the greatest, one must rise in the biggest moments—and Joe Burrow did just that time and again. His 2019 campaign was filled with marquee victories and jaw-dropping performances.

**1. Texas (Week 2)**
Burrow passed for 471 yards and 4 touchdowns in a wild 45-38 win over Texas in Austin. It was a national coming-out party that signaled LSU was no longer a run-heavy, defense-first program.

**2. Alabama (Week 11)**
Perhaps the defining regular-season game of his career. Burrow threw for 393 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 46-41 win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa—the Tigers’ first victory over the Tide since 2011. Burrow displayed ice-cold composure under pressure, outdueling Tua Tagovailoa and snapping Nick Saban’s stranglehold on the SEC.

**3. SEC Championship Game (vs. Georgia)**
Facing the SEC’s top defense, Burrow passed for 349 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 37-10 rout, earning LSU the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

**4. CFP Semifinal (vs. Oklahoma)**
Burrow threw 7 touchdown passes *in the first half*, finishing with 493 yards and 8 total touchdowns. It was one of the most dominant individual performances in bowl history.

**5. CFP National Championship (vs. Clemson)**
Against the defending champions, Burrow capped off his season with 463 total yards and 6 total touchdowns, leading LSU to a 42–25 victory. He was named Offensive MVP and finished the season with 60 touchdown passes—an FBS record.

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### **Intangibles: Leadership, Poise, and Grit**

What truly sets Joe Burrow apart from other legendary players isn’t just his stats—it’s his leadership, toughness, and unshakable confidence. Teammates described him as laser-focused, fiercely competitive, and calm in chaos. Coaches noted his unmatched preparation and ability to elevate those around him.

Burrow’s leadership was especially apparent during LSU’s toughest stretches. Whether it was converting a crucial third down late in a game or taking a hard hit and bouncing right back up, his grit embodied the soul of the team. He brought swagger back to LSU and restored national respect to a program that had underachieved for years.

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### **The Heisman Moment and Cultural Impact**

Burrow won the 2019 Heisman Trophy by one of the largest margins in history, collecting over 90% of first-place votes. His acceptance speech went viral—not just for its humility and emotion, but also for his tribute to his hometown of Athens, Ohio.

He used the platform to shine a light on poverty in his community, prompting an outpouring of support. Within days, over \$500,000 was raised for food banks in southeastern Ohio, showing how Burrow’s impact transcended football.

This moment solidified him as more than just a football star—it made him a symbol of perseverance, empathy, and community. He was a player for the people, not just the headlines.

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### **Burrow vs. the Greats: Why He Tops the List**

Beating out icons like Herschel Walker, Joe Montana, and Michael Crabtree is no small feat. Each of those players had historic college careers:

* **Herschel Walker** was a three-time All-American who rushed for over 5,000 yards and won the Heisman in 1982.
* **Joe Montana** led Notre Dame to a national title and later became a Super Bowl legend.
* **Michael Crabtree** revolutionized the wide receiver position with back-to-back Biletnikoff Awards and electrifying performances.

Yet, none of them combined *team success*, *individual dominance*, *historic statistics*, and *national impact* the way Joe Burrow did in a single season. His 2019 campaign is widely considered the greatest individual season in college football history—and it came with a 15-0 record and national championship to match.

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### **Post-College Legacy and Continued Stardom**

Burrow’s greatness didn’t end with his college career. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, he carried over his winning ways to the NFL. In just his second season, he led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in over 30 years.

His professional success only reinforces the brilliance of his college career. Burrow continues to serve as a role model for aspiring athletes and a reminder that greatness often comes not just from talent, but from perseverance, adaptability, and relentless drive.

The Definitive GOAT**

Joe Burrow’s 2019 season was not only unforgettable—it was unmatched. His elevation to the title of “Greatest of All Time” in college football is not a matter of hype or bias; it’s a reflection of what he achieved, how he achieved it, and the profound effect he had on the sport.

From his humble beginnings at Ohio State to rewriting history at LSU, Burrow’s story is the perfect blend of underdog grit and elite execution. He didn’t just win games—he transformed a program, inspired a fanbase, and left a legacy that will be studied, celebrated, and remembered for generations.

In a sport filled with legends, **Joe Burrow stands alone at the top**—the undisputed greatest college football player of all time.