The Best LSU Football Players of All Time
Who are the best LSU football players of all time? The Louisiana State University Fighting Tigers are a college football mainstay. With four national championships (the first team to win multiple National titles since the advent of the BCS) and the 11th highest winning percentage amongst teams that have played at least 1,000 games, it is clear that the boys in purple are not to be messed with. Following the recent hire of Brian Kelly, the Fightin' Tigers look set to reset, reload, and reclaim their spot among college football's elite. So, who is the best LSU football player ever? Which LSU football stars do you love?
For 60 years, running Billy Cannon was LSU's only Heisman winner in program history. But, in 2019, the Tigers went on a championship run led by LSU's second Heisman winner: QB Joe Burrow. A stacked LSU Tigers roster, which included NFL stars like Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Derek Stingley Jr., among others, went undefeated and capped off a perfect season by putting almost an entire starting lineup in the NFL.
Then, there's older LSU stars who've made big names for themselves in the NFL as well. NFL Pro Bowlers like Patrick Peterson, Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Tyrann Mathieu, Jamal Adams, Kyle Williams, and Andrew Whitworth have all had long professional careers and made their marks in the NFL.
So, whether you think LSU is DBU, WRU, QBU, RBU, OLU or DLU, you can help decide who are the best LSU Tigers of all time. Vote below for all the best LSU football players and downvote any LSU football player who didn't live up to the hype.
- 1Quarterback
- Birthplace: Ames, Iowa
- Teams: Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow's tenure at LSU culminated with a historic 2019 season, where he led the Tigers to a perfect 15-0 record and a National Championship victory. His incredible accuracy and pocket presence made him a lethal weapon under center, as the Ohio native shattered multiple NCAA records for passing yards and touchdowns in a single season. Burrow's undeniable talent and leadership cemented his status as one of the greatest LSU quarterbacks in history, securing his place among the elite in college football.
- 2Wide receiver
- Birthplace: Destrehan, Louisiana
- Teams: Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson electrified the LSU offense with his outstanding route running and reliable hands, quickly becoming one of the premier receivers in college football during his time in Baton Rouge. Jefferson displayed a knack for making difficult catches in high-pressure situations, showcasing his uncanny ability to maintain focus and poise. His explosive speed paired with his precision on the field made him an invaluable asset to the Tigers' offense, earning him a spot alongside the best LSU football players of all time.
- 3Wide receiver
- Birthplace: Harvey, Louisiana
- Teams: Cincinnati Bengals
Ja'Marr Chase's elite combination of speed, physicality, and ball skills elevated him to the top of the college football world during his time at LSU. Chase consistently left defenders grasping at air, using his vision and agility to evade tackles and rack up yardage after the catch. As a key component of the Tigers' prolific 2019 offense, Chase solidified his legacy as an all-time great LSU wide receiver and ensured his name would be remembered for years to come.
- 4
Tyrann Mathieu
Safety- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Teams: New Orleans Saints
Tyrann Mathieu's aggressive playmaking ability and exceptional instincts earned him the well-deserved nickname "Honey Badger" during his time at LSU. With a natural talent for creating turnovers and disrupting offenses, Mathieu became the heart and soul of the Tigers' defense. His tenacity and versatility allowed him to excel in numerous roles, leaving an indelible impact on LSU football and the sport as a whole.
- 5Cornerback
- Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Teams: Minnesota Vikings
Patrick Peterson's lockdown coverage and superb ball skills made him a nightmare for opposing offenses during his tenure with the LSU Tigers. Equally adept at shutting down top receivers one-on-one or making eye-popping interceptions, Peterson effortlessly showcased his outstanding athleticism and football IQ. As a two-time All-American and holder of multiple school records, Peterson's impact on the Tigers' defense has solidified his place among the best to ever step foot on the field in Baton Rouge.
- 6Wide receiver
- Birthplace: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Teams: Los Angeles Rams
Odell Beckham Jr.'s jaw-dropping catches and explosive playmaking ability quickly caught the attention of fans and coaches alike during his career at LSU. With his innate ability to track the ball in the air, combined with his powerful hands and astonishing body control, Beckham redefined the art of the one-handed catch. His time in Baton Rouge left fans breathless and eagerly anticipating his next highlight-reel-worthy moment, securing his place in the pantheon of LSU's all-time greats.
