Most people see Joe Burrow in a Cincinnati Bengals jersey and think of him as the ultimate LSU legend. And they’re right. He basically reinvented what a "perfect season" looks like in Baton Rouge. But if you’re asking what college did joe burrow go to, the answer isn't a single school. It’s a tale of two very different programs.
He didn't just walk onto the field at Tiger Stadium and start throwing 60 touchdowns. Before the cigars and the Heisman, there were years of grinding in the cold of Columbus, Ohio. He’s a product of both the Big Ten and the SEC, and honestly, he probably wouldn't be the same player without both experiences.
The Ohio State Years: Where it All Started
Joe Burrow is an Ohio kid through and through. He grew up in Athens, Ohio, and when it came time to pick a school, staying home felt right. He signed with Ohio State University in 2015.
At the time, the Buckeyes were loaded. He redshirted his first year, which is pretty standard for a freshman QB trying to learn a complex system. But then things got crowded. He spent the next two years sitting on the bench behind J.T. Barrett.
While he was at Ohio State from 2015 to 2017, his stats were... well, they weren't exactly "future first overall pick" numbers. He played in about 10 games total over those two active seasons. He completed 29 of 39 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns. That’s it.
The Breaking Point in Columbus
By the spring of 2018, Burrow was a graduate. He had his degree in consumer and family financial services. He also had a decision to make. Barrett was gone, but a young guy named Dwayne Haskins was looking like the next big thing for the Buckeyes.
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After a spring game battle, it became clear that Urban Meyer was leaning toward Haskins. Burrow wasn't interested in being a career backup. He famously told reporters, "I didn't come here to sit on the bench for four years."
He entered the transfer portal in May 2018. It was a massive gamble.
The Transfer That Changed College Football
When you look at what college did joe burrow go to, the move to Louisiana State University (LSU) is the pivot point of his life.
It wasn't a sure thing. He actually visited the University of Cincinnati first. Coach Ed Orgeron at LSU had to work hard to get him down to the bayou. Legend has it a dinner of boiled crawfish helped seal the deal.
2018: The "Decent" First Year
Burrow arrived in Baton Rouge as a graduate transfer, meaning he could play right away. His first season in 2018 was... okay. He wasn't a superstar yet.
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He threw for 2,894 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. LSU went 10-3 and won the Fiesta Bowl. People liked his toughness—he’d take a hit and get right back up—but nobody was calling him a generational talent. He was just a solid, gritty quarterback who helped LSU win some big games.
The 2019 Season: Pure Insanity
Then 2019 happened. LSU brought in Joe Brady from the New Orleans Saints to help with the passing game. Suddenly, the offense went from "ground and pound" to "scorched earth."
If you want to know why people ask what college did joe burrow go to, it's because of these numbers:
- 5,671 passing yards
- 60 touchdown passes (a record at the time)
- 76.3% completion rate
- 15-0 record
- Heisman Trophy winner
- National Champion
He didn't just win; he dominated. He threw seven touchdowns in the first half of the Peach Bowl against Oklahoma. He dismantled a Clemson defense in the title game that hadn't lost in years. It was arguably the greatest single season by a quarterback in the history of college football.
Comparing the Two Chapters
It’s easy to forget the Ohio State part of the journey, but Burrow credits it for his mental toughness. He learned how to compete at an elite level under Urban Meyer. But LSU gave him the keys to the car.
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| Detail | Ohio State University | Louisiana State University |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2015–2017 | 2018–2019 |
| Role | Backup / Reserve | 2-Year Starter |
| Passing Yards | 287 | 8,565 |
| Touchdowns | 2 | 76 |
| Degrees | Bachelor's (Financial Services) | Master's (Liberal Arts) |
He actually graduated from both schools, which is a neat bit of trivia. He’s technically an alumnus of both the Big Ten and the SEC.
Why This Matters Today
Understanding what college did joe burrow go to helps explain his NFL success. He isn't just a "system QB." He’s a guy who was told he wasn't good enough to start at one powerhouse and responded by becoming the best player in the country at another.
That "chip on the shoulder" comes directly from those years in Columbus. When he got to Cincinnati, he already knew how to handle a rebuild because he'd essentially rebuilt his own career from scratch in 2018.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Check the History: If you're a Buckeyes fan, you can still claim him as a grad, even if the stats aren't there.
- Watch the 2019 Highlights: If you haven't seen the LSU vs. Alabama game from 2019, go find it. It's the moment Burrow became "Joe Shiesty."
- Appreciate the Transfer Portal: Burrow is the poster child for why players should be allowed to move. Without the portal, he might have spent 2019 on a bench instead of making history.
Joe Burrow's path wasn't a straight line. It went from the hills of Ohio to the bayous of Louisiana, and finally back to the Queen City. He's proof that sometimes, a change of scenery isn't just a new start—it's the missing piece of the puzzle.
Next Steps:
If you want to track how his college success translated to the pros, you should look into the Bengals' 2021 Super Bowl run. His connection with LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase is a direct carry-over from that legendary 2019 season.