In the realm of collegiate athletics, few programs have achieved the sustained success and gridiron dominance of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers football team. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, LSU has established itself as a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and a national title contender year after year.
From legendary coaches to iconic players and unforgettable moments, LSU football has captivated fans and garnered accolades for decades. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into the storied history of the LSU Tigers, highlighting their triumphs, challenges, and the factors that have contributed to their enduring legacy as one of college football's most successful programs.
As we embark on this journey through time, let's first explore the origins of LSU football and the early years that laid the foundation for the program's future success.
LSU Tigers Football: 9 Milestones and Achievements
Throughout their illustrious history, the LSU Tigers have etched their name into the annals of college football with numerous milestones and achievements.
- 4 National Championships
- 25 SEC Championships
- 19 Consensus All-Americans
- 12 Heisman Trophy Finalists
- 7 Unanimous All-Americans
- 5 Players in College Football Hall of Fame
- 4 Coaches in College Football Hall of Fame
- 76 All-SEC First Team Selections
- Record 15-0 Season in 2019
These accolades stand as a testament to the Tigers' unwavering commitment to excellence and their ability to produce championship-caliber teams and outstanding individual talent.
4 National Championships
The pinnacle of LSU's football success lies in their four National Championships, each a testament to the program's ability to reach the highest heights of collegiate competition.
Their first national title came in 1958, a dominant season led by Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon. The Tigers capped off an undefeated campaign with a victory over Clemson in the Sugar Bowl, securing their place as national champions.
LSU's second national championship arrived in 2003, an unforgettable season that saw the Tigers finish with a perfect 13-0 record. Led by quarterback Matt Mauck and running back Alley Broussard, LSU defeated Oklahoma in the BCS National Championship Game, cementing their status as one of the nation's top teams.
The 2007 season brought LSU their third national championship, a year marked by an explosive offense and a stingy defense. With Heisman Trophy winner JaMarcus Russell at the helm, the Tigers dominated opponents throughout the season, culminating in a victory over Ohio State in the BCS National Championship Game.
LSU's most recent national championship came in 2019, a storybook season that saw the Tigers finish with a perfect 15-0 record. Led by Heisman Trophy finalist Joe Burrow and a dynamic offense, LSU dismantled opponents week after week, culminating in a resounding victory over Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
These four national championships stand as symbols of LSU's football prowess and their ability to produce championship-caliber teams that leave an indelible mark on the sport.
25 SEC Championships
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is one of the most competitive and prestigious conferences in college football, and LSU's 25 SEC Championships stand as a testament to their dominance within the conference.
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1958: LSU's first SEC Championship victory came in 1958, the same year they won their first national championship. Led by Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon, the Tigers defeated Ole Miss in the title game.
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2001: After a 43-year drought, LSU returned to the SEC Championship game in 2001, defeating Tennessee to claim the title. This victory marked the beginning of a new era of success for the Tigers.
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2003: LSU's 2003 SEC Championship victory was particularly dominant, as they defeated Georgia 34-13 to secure their second consecutive conference title and set the stage for their national championship run.
- 2007: LSU's 2007 SEC Championship victory was a defensive masterpiece, as they held Arkansas to just 10 points en route to a 21-14 victory and their third SEC title in five years.
LSU's 25 SEC Championships are a testament to the program's sustained success and their ability to compete at the highest level year after year. The Tigers have consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the SEC, and their conference titles are a major reason why they are considered one of the most successful programs in college football history.
19 Consensus All-Americans
Consensus All-Americans are players who are recognized as the best at their position in the country by multiple major selectors. LSU's 19 Consensus All-Americans are a testament to the program's ability to produce elite talent that stands out on a national level.
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Billy Cannon (1958): A Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most iconic players in LSU history, Cannon was a consensus All-American as a halfback in 1958.
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Kevin Mawae (1993): A two-time consensus All-American, Mawae was one of the most dominant offensive linemen in college football history. He went on to have a successful NFL career and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Rohan Davey (1998): Davey was a consensus All-American quarterback in 1998, leading LSU to an 8-4 record and a victory over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.
- Patrick Peterson (2010): A Heisman Trophy finalist and one of the best defensive backs in college football history, Peterson was a consensus All-American in 2010. He went on to have a successful NFL career and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2010s.
LSU's 19 Consensus All-Americans are just a few examples of the many outstanding players who have worn the Tigers' purple and gold. These players have helped LSU achieve its status as one of the top programs in college football, and they have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL and beyond.
12 Heisman Trophy Finalists
The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. LSU's 12 Heisman Trophy finalists are a testament to the program's ability to produce elite talent that is capable of dominating the game at the highest level.
LSU's first Heisman Trophy finalist was Billy Cannon in 1958. Cannon, a halfback, won the award after leading LSU to a national championship and rushing for over 1,000 yards. He is still the only LSU player to have won the Heisman Trophy.
In recent years, LSU has had a number of Heisman Trophy finalists, including Rohan Davey (1998), Marcus Spears (2001), Matt Mauck (2003), JaMarcus Russell (2006), and Joe Burrow (2019). These players all had outstanding seasons, leading LSU to SEC championships and major bowl victories. They are all considered to be among the best players in college football history.
LSU's 12 Heisman Trophy finalists are a testament to the program's rich history and tradition. These players have helped LSU achieve its status as one of the top programs in college football, and they have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL and beyond.
7 Unanimous All-Americans
Unanimous All-Americans are players who are recognized as the best at their position in the country by every major selector. LSU's seven unanimous All-Americans are a testament to the program's ability to produce elite talent that stands out on a national level.
LSU's first unanimous All-American was Billy Cannon in 1958. Cannon, a halfback, was one of the most dominant players in college football history. He was a key part of LSU's national championship team in 1958, and he won the Heisman Trophy that same year.
In recent years, LSU has had a number of unanimous All-Americans, including Tyrann Mathieu (2011), Barkevious Mingo (2012), Zach Mettenberger (2013), Leonard Fournette (2015), and Devin White (2018). These players all had outstanding seasons, leading LSU to SEC championships and major bowl victories. They are all considered to be among the best players in college football history.
LSU's seven unanimous All-Americans are a testament to the program's rich history and tradition. These players have helped LSU achieve its status as one of the top programs in college football, and they have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL and beyond.
5 Players in College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame honors the greatest players, coaches, and contributors to the game of college football. LSU's five players in the College Football Hall of Fame are a testament to the program's rich history and tradition of producing elite talent.
LSU's first player to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame was Billy Cannon in 1983. Cannon, a halfback, is one of the most iconic players in LSU history. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1958 and was a key part of LSU's national championship team that same year. Cannon was also a two-time All-American and a two-time SEC Player of the Year.
Other LSU players who have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame include:
- Jerry Stovall (1988): Stovall was a two-time All-American and a two-time SEC Player of the Year. He was also a member of LSU's national championship team in 1958.
- Kevin Mawae (2019): Mawae was a two-time consensus All-American and a three-time All-SEC selection. He was also a key part of LSU's SEC championship team in 1993.
- Alan Faneca (2022): Faneca was a two-time consensus All-American and a three-time All-SEC selection. He was also a key part of LSU's SEC championship team in 2001.
- Patrick Peterson (2023): Peterson was a consensus All-American and a two-time All-SEC selection. He was also a key part of LSU's SEC championship team in 2010.
LSU's five players in the College Football Hall of Fame are a testament to the program's ability to produce elite talent that is capable of dominating the game at the highest level. These players have all made significant contributions to the game of college football, and they are all deserving of their place in the Hall of Fame.
4 Coaches in College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame honors the greatest players, coaches, and contributors to the game of college football. LSU's four coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame are a testament to the program's rich history and tradition of success.
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Bernie Moore (1954): Moore was LSU's head coach from 1935 to 1942 and again from 1946 to 1954. He led LSU to two SEC championships and two Sugar Bowls. He was also named SEC Coach of the Year twice.
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Charles McClendon (1980): McClendon was LSU's head coach from 1962 to 1979. He led LSU to three SEC championships and three Sugar Bowls. He was also named SEC Coach of the Year three times.
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Nick Saban (2013): Saban was LSU's head coach from 2000 to 2004. He led LSU to one national championship, one SEC championship, and two Sugar Bowls. He was also named SEC Coach of the Year twice.
- Les Miles (2022): Miles was LSU's head coach from 2005 to 2016. He led LSU to one national championship, two SEC championships, and three Sugar Bowls. He was also named SEC Coach of the Year three times.
LSU's four coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame are all legendary figures in the history of the program. They have all made significant contributions to LSU's success, and they are all deserving of their place in the Hall of Fame.
76 All-SEC First Team Selections
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and LSU's 76 All-SEC First Team selections are a testament to the program's ability to produce elite talent year after year.
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Billy Cannon (1957, 1958): Cannon was a two-time All-SEC First Team selection and a Heisman Trophy winner in 1958. He was one of the most dominant players in college football history.
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Kevin Mawae (1992, 1993): Mawae was a two-time All-SEC First Team selection and a two-time consensus All-American. He went on to have a successful NFL career and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Marcus Spears (2000, 2001): Spears was a two-time All-SEC First Team selection and a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2001. He went on to have a successful NFL career.
- Tyrann Mathieu (2010, 2011): Mathieu was a two-time All-SEC First Team selection and a unanimous All-American in 2011. He went on to have a successful NFL career and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2010s.
LSU's 76 All-SEC First Team selections are just a few examples of the many outstanding players who have worn the Tigers' purple and gold. These players have helped LSU achieve its status as one of the top programs in college football, and they have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL and beyond.
Record 15-0 Season in 2019
The 2019 season was a historic one for LSU football. The Tigers went undefeated, finishing with a perfect 15-0 record and claiming their fourth national championship. It was LSU's first national title since 2007, and it marked the first time that the Tigers had gone undefeated since 1958.
The 2019 LSU team was led by a dynamic offense that averaged over 48 points per game. Quarterback Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy after passing for over 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire also had a stellar season, rushing for over 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns.
LSU's defense was also dominant in 2019. The Tigers allowed just 21.3 points per game, and they forced 21 turnovers. Defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson was a standout player, recording 13.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss.
The 2019 season culminated in a resounding victory over Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. LSU defeated Clemson 42-25, capping off a perfect season and securing their place in history.
FAQ
If you're curious about LSU football and its rich history, here are some frequently asked questions that might be helpful:
Question 1: How many national championships has LSU won?
Answer: LSU has won four national championships, in 1958, 2003, 2007, and 2019.
Question 2: How many SEC championships has LSU won?
Answer: LSU has won 25 SEC championships, more than any other team in the conference.
Question 3: Who are some of LSU's most famous players?
Answer: Some of LSU's most famous players include Billy Cannon, Kevin Mawae, Marcus Spears, Tyrann Mathieu, and Joe Burrow.
Question 4: Who are some of LSU's most successful coaches?
Answer: Some of LSU's most successful coaches include Bernie Moore, Charles McClendon, Nick Saban, and Les Miles.
Question 5: What is LSU's home stadium?
Answer: LSU's home stadium is Tiger Stadium, also known as "Death Valley".
Question 6: What are LSU's school colors?
Answer: LSU's school colors are purple and gold.
Question 7: What is LSU's fight song?
Answer: LSU's fight song is "Fight for LSU".
We hope this FAQ section has been helpful in answering some of your questions about LSU football. For more information, please visit the LSU Athletics website.
Now that you know a bit more about LSU football, here are a few tips for enjoying the game:
Tips
Whether you're a lifelong LSU fan or just a casual observer, here are a few tips for enjoying the game:
Tip 1: Learn the basics of the game.
If you're new to football, take some time to learn the basics of the game, such as the different positions, the rules, and the scoring system. This will help you appreciate the game more and follow along with the action.
Tip 2: Choose a team to root for.
Of course, LSU is the team to root for, but if you're not from Louisiana or if you have another favorite team, that's perfectly fine. Just make sure you have a team that you can cheer for and get excited about.
Tip 3: Attend a game in person.
There's nothing quite like the experience of attending a college football game in person. The atmosphere is electric, and you'll get to see the game up close and personal. If you can, try to attend a game at Tiger Stadium, which is one of the most iconic venues in all of college football.
Tip 4: Watch the game with friends and family.
Football is a social sport, so it's more fun to watch it with friends and family. You can cheer together, commiserate together, and share in the excitement of the game.
We hope these tips help you enjoy the game of college football and LSU Tigers football in particular. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just a casual observer, we hope you find something to appreciate about this great sport.
LSU football is a source of pride and passion for many people in Louisiana and beyond. The Tigers have a rich history and tradition, and they are always a contender for the national championship. If you're looking for a team to root for, LSU is a great choice.
Conclusion
LSU football is a storied program with a rich history and tradition. The Tigers have won four national championships, 25 SEC championships, and produced numerous All-Americans and NFL players. LSU is also home to one of the most passionate fan bases in college football, and Tiger Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in the sport.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or just a casual observer, there's something for everyone to enjoy about LSU football. The Tigers play an exciting brand of football, and they're always in contention for the national championship. So if you're looking for a team to root for, LSU is a great choice.
Here's to many more years of success for LSU football!