Ed Orgeron, the former head coach of the LSU Tigers football team, recently reflected on his unforgettable 2019 season, in which his team achieved a perfect 15-0 record and won the College Football Playoff national championship. Speaking on the podcast "Andy & Ari On3," Orgeron boldly claimed that his 2019 LSU team was the greatest college football team ever assembled, highlighting the incredible talent on the roster and comparing it to other legendary teams in history.
Orgeron’s tenure at LSU culminated in the 2020 College Football Playoff national championship game, where the Tigers defeated the Clemson Tigers to claim the title. This victory was the peak of a remarkable season filled with dominance and historic achievements. The 2019 LSU team broke the all-time scoring record in college football and was notable for never trailing in any fourth quarter of that season, showcasing their ability to control and close out games consistently.
Despite this historic success, LSU announced in 2021 that Orgeron would be departing the program at the end of the season, just 21 months after his championship triumph. His departure marked the end of an era for LSU football, but Orgeron’s legacy and his thoughts on that championship team continue to resonate within college football circles.
When discussing his 2019 team, Orgeron emphasized the extraordinary talent on the roster, particularly pointing out star players who have gone on to make significant impacts in the NFL. Quarterback Joe Burrow, the leader of that team, was the top overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and has since become one of the league’s brightest stars. Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, also key contributors to that team, have excelled at the professional level. Jefferson was named the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, while Chase joined Burrow in Cincinnati as the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Orgeron acknowledged that while there were a few players on other teams who could have been stars for LSU, the overall collection of talent on the 2019 Tigers was unmatched. He also mentioned the 2001 Miami Hurricanes team, another legendary squad that he was part of as an assistant coach. The Hurricanes won the Bowl Championship Series national title that year and featured a roster packed with future NFL stars. Orgeron gave credit to that team, calling it a "great collection of talent," but still maintained that LSU’s 2019 team was exceptional and possibly superior.
The debate about the greatest college football team of all time is a common topic among fans and analysts, and Orgeron’s perspective is informed by his unique experience coaching at the highest levels of college football. He stressed the importance of proving greatness on the field, noting that while many teams are talked about as the best, LSU’s 2019 team backed up that talk with on-field dominance and a flawless record.
The 2019 LSU team’s success was not only about individual talent but also about how that talent was harnessed and developed into a cohesive, unstoppable unit. Their ability to maintain leads and never fall behind in the fourth quarter demonstrated resilience and strategic excellence. This combination of elite players and strong coaching contributed to their record-breaking scoring and ultimately their national championship victory.
Ed Orgeron’s reflections on his championship run provide a fascinating look back at one of college football’s most memorable teams. His confidence in the 2019 LSU Tigers as the greatest team ever assembled adds fuel to ongoing discussions about college football dynasties and the benchmarks for greatness. As the sport continues to evolve, the legacy of that LSU team remains a high standard for future squads aiming for national glory.
For fans and followers of college football, Orgeron’s insights offer a deeper appreciation of the 2019 LSU team’s achievements and the level of talent required to reach such heights. The story of that undefeated season and the players who have since excelled in the NFL continues to captivate and inspire.
This reflection comes amid broader discussions about coaching changes and future prospects for programs like Penn State. With Urban Meyer and Tom Rinaldi analyzing potential candidates for the next head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, Orgeron’s tenure and success at LSU serve as a benchmark for what is possible with the right leadership and talent.
The legacy of the 2019 LSU Tigers and Ed Orgeron’s place in college football history remain secure, celebrated for a season that combined historic records,