Before transferring to LSU, Ed Orgeron had a private talk with Joe Burrow “A lot better than what you’ve got“.

In the world of college football, there are few stories more iconic than the rise of Joe Burrow, LSU’s Heisman-winning quarterback who led the Tigers to a national championship in 2019. His success, both on and off the field, has solidified him as one of the best quarterbacks in recent memory, and his transfer to LSU from Ohio State is often seen as a key turning point in his career. But before he made the move to Baton Rouge, Burrow had a private conversation with then-LSU head coach Ed Orgeron. This conversation would be one of the most pivotal moments in both Burrow’s career and LSU’s football program.

The story behind Burrow’s decision to transfer to LSU has been told from many angles, but few insights into that decision have been as revealing as the conversation he had with Orgeron. According to those who were close to the program at the time, Orgeron was instrumental in convincing Burrow that LSU was the right fit for him, offering words that would stick with Burrow throughout his time in Baton Rouge: “A lot better than what you’ve got.”

But what did these words mean? And how did that conversation influence Burrow’s decision to make LSU his new home? Let’s take a closer look at the context surrounding Burrow’s transfer to LSU, the role Orgeron played in that decision, and how it ultimately led to one of the most successful chapters in LSU football history.

The Background: Joe Burrow’s Struggles at Ohio State

Before transferring to LSU, Joe Burrow was a highly-touted recruit out of Athens, Ohio, who played for the Ohio State Buckeyes. As a freshman and sophomore at Ohio State, Burrow showed promise but struggled to win the starting job. Despite his strong performances in limited action, Burrow was constantly overshadowed by then-quarterback J.T. Barrett, a four-year starter who was one of the most successful quarterbacks in Ohio State history.

Burrow’s time at Ohio State was a frustrating one. While he had the talent to compete at the highest level, he was not able to secure the starting position. Burrow’s competitive drive pushed him to seek a new opportunity where he could play regularly and showcase his full potential. He entered the transfer portal with hopes of finding a new home where he would be given the chance to shine as a starter.

Ed Orgeron’s Role in Burrow’s Transfer Decision

At the time, LSU was in the midst of a quarterback struggle of its own. The Tigers had a talented roster, but they had been unable to find consistent success at the quarterback position for years. The program’s offense, under the leadership of former head coach Les Miles and his successors, had been heavily reliant on the run game, and the passing attack was often underwhelming. LSU had the talent, but it lacked the kind of quarterback that could elevate the offense to a championship level.

Enter Ed Orgeron, the fiery and passionate head coach who had been hired to revitalize LSU’s football program. Orgeron knew that if LSU was going to compete for national championships, they needed a game-changing quarterback. When Burrow entered the transfer portal, Orgeron quickly set his sights on the Ohio State transfer, and a conversation was arranged.

The Private Conversation: “A Lot Better Than What You’ve Got”

According to multiple reports, when Burrow sat down with Orgeron, the conversation was candid and straightforward. Orgeron, known for his no-nonsense approach, made it clear that he believed Burrow had the potential to be the difference-maker LSU was looking for. It was during this meeting that Orgeron made a statement that would resonate with Burrow for years to come: “A lot better than what you’ve got.”

The phrase was not meant to be disrespectful to Ohio State or its coaching staff, but rather to show Burrow the opportunity that awaited him at LSU. Orgeron was offering Burrow a chance to come in and be the guy — the starting quarterback who would lead the Tigers to greatness. LSU, under Orgeron’s leadership, was on the verge of making significant changes to their offensive scheme, and Burrow would be the perfect fit.

At that moment, Orgeron’s words were more than just a pitch; they were an invitation to join a program that was hungry for success, a program that saw Burrow’s immense talent and believed in his ability to lead them to the next level.

Burrow later reflected on this conversation, admitting that it had a profound impact on his decision to transfer to LSU. Orgeron’s confidence in him gave Burrow the reassurance that he could succeed in Baton Rouge. The combination of a fresh start, a new offensive system, and the support of Orgeron made LSU an ideal fit for Burrow at the time.

Burrow’s Decision: A New Beginning at LSU

After meeting with Orgeron, Burrow made the decision to transfer to LSU. The move would turn out to be one of the best decisions in college football history. Burrow was granted immediate eligibility, and he was thrust into the starting role in 2018. In his first season as the Tigers’ quarterback, Burrow showed flashes of brilliance but was still adjusting to the new system and the SEC level of play.

But 2019 would be the year that defined Burrow’s legacy. Under the guidance of Orgeron and with the addition of offensive coordinator Joe Brady, LSU transformed into an offensive juggernaut. The Tigers’ high-powered passing attack, led by Burrow, became one of the most potent offenses in college football history.

Burrow shattered numerous records, including the SEC single-season passing touchdown record and the NCAA passing efficiency record. He led LSU to an undefeated season, culminating in a dominant victory over Clemson in the National Championship Game. Burrow was awarded the Heisman Trophy, cementing his status as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in college football.

The Impact of Orgeron’s Leadership

While Burrow’s individual success was paramount to LSU’s rise, it’s important to acknowledge the role Ed Orgeron played in the program’s turnaround. Orgeron’s leadership and ability to create a culture of winning were essential in maximizing Burrow’s potential. Orgeron’s decision to trust Burrow and give him the opportunity to lead the team was a key factor in LSU’s success.

Orgeron also made significant changes to LSU’s offense, bringing in Joe Brady as offensive coordinator and implementing a spread offense that played to Burrow’s strengths. The combination of Burrow’s talent and the offensive system designed to showcase his abilities was a perfect storm that propelled LSU to the top of college football.

Looking Back: How the Conversation Shaped Burrow’s Legacy

When looking back on Burrow’s career at LSU, it’s clear that his decision to transfer was the right one. Orgeron’s confidence in Burrow, coupled with his straightforward conversation about the opportunities that awaited him at LSU, set the stage for one of the most remarkable seasons in college football history.

Burrow’s success also helped elevate LSU’s program. The Tigers’ national championship win and Burrow’s Heisman Trophy were a testament to the program’s growth under Orgeron’s leadership. The transformation of LSU into an offensive powerhouse changed the way people viewed the program, and it left a lasting legacy in Baton Rouge.

Furthermore, Burrow’s story has inspired future generations of players. His journey from being an underappreciated backup at Ohio State to becoming the top pick in the NFL Draft is a tale of perseverance, hard work, and belief in oneself. Burrow’s story continues to inspire athletes who may feel overlooked or underappreciated, showing them that the right opportunity can lead to greatness.

The private conversation between Ed Orgeron and Joe Burrow was a pivotal moment not just in Burrow’s career, but in the history of LSU football. Orgeron’s words, “A lot better than what you’ve got,” proved to be prophetic, as Burrow went on to become one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in college football history.

That conversation symbolized the turning point for LSU, as it marked the beginning of a new era for the program. Burrow’s decision to transfer to LSU was a game-changer, and Orgeron’s leadership and belief in Burrow’s abilities played a crucial role in shaping LSU’s national championship season.

As the years go by, the story of Joe Burrow’s transfer to LSU will continue to be remembered as one of the most important moments in college football. It’s a story of trust, belief, and an opportunity to prove that greatness can come from unexpected places. And it all started with a simple conversation between Burrow and Orgeron that would change the course of both their careers and LSU football history forever.