How Many National Championships Does LSU Have in Football?

By Sarah Miller · November 30, 2052

LSU (Louisiana State University) has won 4 national championships in football, officially recognized by the NCAA and major selectors: 1958, 2003, 2007, and 2019.

Understanding LSU's National Championships in Football

The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers football program has a storied history, highlighted by multiple national titles. While various polls and systems have named champions over the years, LSU is officially credited with four national championships by the NCAA and consensus selectors: 1958, 2003, 2007, and 2019. The 2019 title was particularly dominant, as LSU completed a perfect 15–0 season under head coach Ed Orgeron, defeating Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

How Are National Champions Determined in College Football?

Unlike professional leagues, college football does not have a single governing body that awards a national championship through a universal playoff system—historically. Instead, championships were awarded by polling organizations such as:

AP Poll (Associated Press)
Coaches Poll (USA Today/ESPN)
Other mathematical or historical selectors

Since 2014, the College Football Playoff (CFP) has determined the champion via a four-team tournament, culminating in a national championship game.

Year-by-Year Breakdown of LSU's National Titles

Each of LSU’s four national championships came during distinct eras of college football, reflecting sustained excellence across decades.

1958: Bernie Moore's Legacy

Under head coach Bernie Moore, LSU finished the season 11–0 and was crowned national champion by both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll. This team featured Heisman Trophy runner-up Billy Cannon, whose performance solidified LSU’s place among college football’s elite.

2003: Pete Carmichael Sr. and the BCS Era

Coached by Nick Saban, LSU went 13–1 and claimed the BCS National Championship by defeating Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. Although the AP Poll awarded its title to USC (who played in a different bowl), LSU won the Coaches Poll and BCS crown, marking their first official national title in the modern era.

2007: Controversial but Official

Again under Nick Saban (though he had departed for Alabama), interim coach Les Miles led LSU to a 12–2 record and a victory over Ohio State in the BCS National Championship Game. Despite mid-season losses, LSU rose in the rankings and captured the BCS title, recognized by the Coaches Poll.

2019: Joe Burrow and a Historic Season

The most dominant season in LSU history came in 2019 under head coach Ed Orgeron. Led by Heisman winner Joe Burrow, LSU went 15–0, setting records for offensive production. They defeated defending champions Clemson 42–25 in the CFP National Championship, cementing their fourth title.

Detailed Table of LSU's National Championships

Year	Head Coach	Record	Championship Game	Selector(s)	Final AP Rank
1958	Bernie Moore	11–0	N/A (Poll-based)	AP, Coaches	1st
2003	Nick Saban	13–1	LSU 21–14 Oklahoma (Sugar Bowl)	BCS, Coaches	2nd (AP), 1st (Coaches)
2007	Les Miles	12–2	LSU 38–24 Ohio State (Fiesta Bowl)	BCS, Coaches	1st (Coaches), 3rd (AP)
2019	Ed Orgeron	15–0	LSU 42–25 Clemson (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)	College Football Playoff	1st

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table illustrates LSU’s evolution from a poll-era champion to a modern playoff powerhouse. Three of the four titles were secured through major postseason games, while the 1958 title reflects dominance in the pre-bowl-championship era. The 2019 team stands out with a perfect 15–0 record and overwhelming offensive statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions About LSU's National Championships in Football

How many national championships does LSU have in football?

LSU has won 4 officially recognized national championships in football: 1958, 2003, 2007, and 2019.

Did LSU win a national championship in 2019?

Yes, LSU won the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship by defeating Clemson 42–25, finishing the season 15–0 under head coach Ed Orgeron.

Why do some sources say LSU has only 3 national titles?

Some rankings or fans may exclude the 2007 title due to LSU’s two losses that season and the controversy around being selected over one-loss teams. However, LSU was the official BCS and Coaches Poll champion that year.

Who was the head coach when LSU won its most recent national championship?

Ed Orgeron was the head coach when LSU won the 2019 national championship, leading the Tigers to a perfect 15–0 season.

Has LSU ever claimed additional national championships beyond the four recognized ones?

No, LSU officially recognizes only the four national titles (1958, 2003, 2007, 2019). Some statistical systems name LSU champion in other years, but the university does not claim them.