Down here in Louisiana, football is more than just a game—it’s part of our culture, our identity, and a reason to celebrate with family and friends. When you think of LSU football, one of the first things that comes to mind is the sheer excitement of watching their quarterbacks lead the Tigers on the field. Whether it’s those long, beautiful throws down the field, or leading game-winning drives, the legacy of LSU QBs is rich with talent, leadership, and unforgettable moments.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history, evolution, and recent developments of LSU QBs, shedding light on the players who have led the Tigers and shaped their success.
The Early Days of LSU QBs: Laying the Foundation
LSU’s football program dates back to 1893, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the quarterback position began to take on the significance we know today. In those days, football was a run-heavy sport, and quarterbacks were more like field generals directing traffic than the pass-slinging leaders we see now. However, as the game evolved, so did the role of LSU’s quarterbacks.
One of the earliest notable LSU QBs was Y.A. Tittle, who played for the Tigers in the late 1940s. Tittle went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, but it all started at LSU. Known for his arm strength and toughness, Tittle was one of the first quarterbacks to bring national attention to the Tigers’ program. His time at LSU laid the groundwork for the type of quarterback LSU would come to expect: smart, tough, and with a never-quit attitude.
The 2000s: A Golden Era for LSU QBs
Fast forward to the 2000s, and you see a golden era for LSU quarterbacks. The Tigers’ football program was gaining national prominence, and the quarterback position played a key role in that rise. Players like Matt Mauck and JaMarcus Russell were instrumental in bringing LSU back into the national spotlight.
Matt Mauck: The Championship Leader
In 2003, Matt Mauck led LSU to their first national championship in over 45 years. Under the leadership of coach Nick Saban, Mauck played with efficiency and poise, completing over 60% of his passes and throwing for 28 touchdowns. His ability to manage the game and come through in the clutch moments earned him a place in LSU’s rich history of quarterbacks. Mauck’s performance that season wasn’t just about statistics; it was about his leadership and ability to make the right play at the right time.
JaMarcus Russell: The Cannon Arm
After Mauck, JaMarcus Russell took the reins in 2004, becoming one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in LSU history. At 6’6″ and over 250 pounds, Russell had one of the strongest arms college football had ever seen. His standout moment came in the 2007 Sugar Bowl, where he torched Notre Dame for 332 yards and two touchdowns. That performance solidified his place as a top prospect, and he became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Though Russell’s NFL career didn’t pan out as many had hoped, his time at LSU was nothing short of electric. He finished his college career with 52 touchdowns and over 6,000 passing yards, cementing his legacy as one of the top LSU QBs of the early 21st century.
The Joe Burrow Era: LSU’s Crown Jewel
No conversation about LSU QBs is complete without talking about Joe Burrow, who is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in LSU history. Burrow’s story is one of perseverance and incredible talent, and it culminated in a historic 2019 season that saw LSU win its first national championship since 2007.
The Transfer That Changed Everything
Joe Burrow transferred to LSU from Ohio State in 2018, and while his first year with the Tigers showed promise, it was the 2019 season where he truly came into his own. That year, Burrow put together one of the most impressive seasons in college football history. He threw for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, setting an NCAA record for touchdown passes in a single season. Burrow also completed 76.3% of his passes, showcasing his incredible accuracy and decision-making.
Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Burrow led LSU to a perfect 15-0 record, capping it off with a 42-25 victory over Clemson in the national championship game. Burrow’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver pinpoint throws made him the centerpiece of one of the most dominant offenses college football has ever seen.
Awards and Recognition
Burrow’s achievements during the 2019 season earned him the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious individual award in college football. He won the Heisman in a landslide, receiving the highest percentage of first-place votes in the award’s history. Burrow’s success at LSU propelled him to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Burrow’s legacy at LSU will forever be etched in the history books. His remarkable combination of leadership, talent, and grit has set the bar incredibly high for future LSU QBs.
The Post-Burrow Era: The Rise of New Talent
After Burrow’s departure, there was much speculation about who would fill the massive shoes he left behind. LSU has always been a powerhouse in college football, but replacing a legend like Burrow was no small task.
Myles Brennan: The Early Successor
For a time, it looked like Myles Brennan would be the man to follow Burrow. Brennan had waited patiently for his opportunity, sitting behind Burrow during the 2019 championship run. When his time came in 2020, Brennan started strong, throwing for over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns in just three games. Unfortunately, a season-ending injury cut his campaign short.
Max Johnson: A Promising Talent
In 2021, Max Johnson took over as the starter and showed flashes of brilliance. Johnson, the son of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Brad Johnson, threw for 27 touchdowns and over 2,800 yards during his sophomore season. While LSU’s season didn’t result in a national title run, Johnson’s performance gave fans hope for the future.
2022 and Beyond: The Quarterback Battle and LSU’s Future
As we move into the 2022 season and beyond, LSU finds itself in an intriguing quarterback battle. Garrett Nussmeier, a highly-touted recruit, has shown promise during his time with the Tigers, and he will likely compete for the starting job moving forward. Nussmeier is known for his strong arm and ability to make plays on the run, which could make him a dynamic presence under center.
Additionally, LSU brought in transfer Jayden Daniels from Arizona State. Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback who brings experience and mobility to the position. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs adds an exciting element to LSU’s offense. The competition between Nussmeier and Daniels will likely be one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2022 season, and the winner will have the opportunity to carry on the proud tradition of LSU QBs.
The Legacy of LSU Quarterbacks
From the early days of Y.A. Tittle to the legendary performance of Joe Burrow, the legacy of LSU QBs is defined by excellence, toughness, and strong leadership. These quarterbacks didn’t just secure national championships and dominate the SEC—they left a lasting impact on the college football landscape. Y.A. Tittle’s pioneering style and leadership in the 1940s laid the groundwork for future Tiger quarterbacks, while Joe Burrow’s record-breaking 2019 season redefined what’s possible for a college quarterback.
Burrow’s poise and unprecedented success, including a national championship and Heisman Trophy, have made him a symbol of the modern LSU quarterback. Yet, he was not the first to leave a lasting impression. In between Tittle and Burrow, other greats like Bert Jones, Matt Mauck, and JaMarcus Russell played pivotal roles in the team’s success. Each quarterback carried on the LSU tradition of grit and high expectations, making their marks in the school’s football history.
What makes LSU’s quarterback legacy so rich is its ability to consistently produce top-tier talents. This is largely due to a combination of elite coaching, innovative offensive strategies, and a focus on recruiting some of the best quarterback prospects in the country. The coaching staff’s ability to adapt schemes to match the strengths of their quarterbacks, from Tittle’s field general-like qualities to Burrow’s pinpoint accuracy and vision, has helped sustain LSU’s quarterback tradition for decades.
LSU’s rich pipeline of quarterbacks has turned the Tigers into a perennial powerhouse, setting a high standard for the future. As we look ahead, there’s excitement for players like Garrett Nussmeier, a homegrown talent with incredible potential, and Jayden Daniels, an electrifying transfer with dual-threat abilities. Both have the opportunity to further enhance the LSU quarterback legacy, adding their names to a list filled with greats.
Conclusion: LSU QBs—More Than Just a Position
At LSU, being a quarterback means more than simply leading the offense; it’s about carrying on a tradition of excellence, leadership, and resilience. For over seven decades, LSU QBs have left their mark not only on the school’s storied football program but also on the broader landscape of college football. Each one contributed in their own unique way, from national championships to unforgettable moments under the lights of Death Valley.
As the next generation of quarterbacks steps up, there’s no doubt that the legacy of LSU QBs will only continue to grow, with new players ready to rise to the challenge and add their chapters to this enduring story. Whether it’s with pinpoint passing, fearless leadership, or incredible game-time decisions, the future of LSU’s quarterback tradition remains bright and full of promise.
