In an era where the NCAA transfer portal has become a revolving door of talent and opportunity, few programs have managed to maintain the kind of loyalty and player retention that LSU football boasts. The Tigers have not only been a dominant force in the SEC but also a beacon of pride, identity, and unshakable tradition for athletes who chose to wear the purple and gold.
This loyalty is especially remarkable given the aggressive recruiting tactics and deep resources of Big Ten powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin. But for LSU’s greatest players—past and present—staying in Baton Rouge wasn’t just a decision; it was a declaration of allegiance to a culture built on grit, legacy, and Southern pride.
Here’s a look at the top 25 LSU football players of all time—Tigers who didn’t just shine on the field but also reaffirmed their loyalty to the program, resisting transfer buzz, portal pressures, and Big Ten lures.
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1. Joe Burrow (QB, 2018–2019)
Though originally a transfer from Ohio State, Burrow’s loyalty to LSU became legendary. He turned down a chance to return to the Big Ten through multiple post-2018 inquiries and instead delivered a Heisman-winning, national championship season in 2019. His connection to Louisiana remains unbreakable.
2. Tyrann Mathieu (DB, 2010–2011)
The “Honey Badger” was LSU through and through. Despite off-field challenges and opportunities elsewhere, Mathieu never wavered until his dismissal. His playmaking and loyalty left an unforgettable mark on Tiger history.
3. Billy Cannon (RB, 1956–1959)
A Heisman Trophy winner and LSU icon, Cannon was courted by several schools, including Big Ten giants, but stayed home and made history with the Tigers.
4. Patrick Peterson (CB, 2008–2010)
A Florida native who could have easily landed in Big Ten country, Peterson stuck with LSU and became one of the greatest defensive backs in program history.
5. Leonard Fournette (RB, 2014–2016)
Highly recruited nationally, including by Big Ten powers, Fournette honored his commitment to LSU, rushing for over 3,800 yards and becoming a hometown hero.
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Loyalty Beyond Stardom
These weren’t just players who stayed—they were icons who shaped LSU’s identity. The portal age might suggest otherwise, but the Tigers’ legacy is proof that tradition can still hold sway over short-term opportunity.
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6–10: Heart of the Bayou
**6. Ja’Marr Chase