When it comes to producing elite wide receivers, few schools can touch LSU. Year after year, the Tigers keep churning out game-changers who dominate both Saturdays in the SEC and Sundays in the NFL. If there’s a breeding ground for wide receiver greatness, it’s Baton Rouge.
From record-breaking seasons to clutch plays that live forever, here are the 10 best wideouts to ever wear the purple and gold.
Let’s See The Top 10 LSU WRs Of All-Time
1. Ja’Marr Chase (2018–2020)
Chase didn’t need a long college career to make a massive impact. He built a résumé most players can only dream of in just two seasons. His 2019 campaign was ridiculous—1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. This led the country in both categories and helped LSU grab the national title.
He also took home the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. After sitting out 2020 to prep for the draft, he went No. 5 overall to the Bengals.
Fast forward to 2024 — Chase became one of the few receivers to complete the NFL’s triple crown: most catches (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17). Insane.
2. Justin Jefferson (2017–2019)
Jefferson might be the greatest “glow-up” story in LSU history. He went from being a low-rated recruit to one of the NFL’s biggest superstars. In 2019, he racked up 111 catches, 1,540 yards, and 18 touchdowns. He played opposite Chase in one of the scariest WR duos college football has ever seen.
Since being drafted by the Vikings in 2020, Jefferson’s been automatic: three straight seasons of 100+ catches and 1,400+ yards by 2024. He’s already in the conversation for best in the league.
3. Odell Beckham Jr. (2011–2013)
OBJ brought electricity to LSU’s offense. In 2013, he racked up 1,152 yards and eight touchdowns on 59 catches and led the SEC in kickoff return yards. That all-around game won him the Paul Hornung Award for being the most versatile player in college football.
Then came the NFL, and Beckham took off like a rocket. His rookie year was legendary, and alongside fellow Tiger Jarvis Landry, the two became the first pair of teammates in NFL history to record 288 receptions each over their first three seasons.
4. Jarvis Landry (2011–2013)
Landry was the reliable, tough-as-nails counterpunch to Beckham’s flash. In 2013, he posted 77 catches for 1,193 yards and 10 touchdowns. His crisp route running and glue hands carried over into the league. That’s where he became a Pro Bowler and one of the most productive slot receivers of the 2010s.
5. Josh Reed (1999–2001)
Reed started as a running back, but he took off once LSU moved him to receiver. In 2001, he led the entire SEC with 1,740 receiving yards on 94 catches and snagged the Biletnikoff Award. He still holds the LSU single-season receiving record. Drafted by the Bills, Reed brought his big-play ability to the pros for several solid seasons.
6. Dwayne Bowe (2003–2006)
Bowe was LSU’s big, physical target during the early 2000s. He finished college with 154 receptions, 2,403 yards, and 26 touchdowns. He did it all while bullying corners with his size and strength. The Chiefs drafted him in the first round in 2010, and he led the entire NFL in touchdown catches.
7. Wendell Davis (1984–1987)
In the pre-air-raid days, Davis was ahead of his time. His 1986 season—80 catches and 1,244 yards — led the nation and was a unanimous All-American. A first-round Bears pick in 1988, Davis helped bring some shine to LSU’s WR rep before it became mainstream.
8. Andy Hamilton (1969–1971)
Hamilton played in an era where passing was an afterthought, but he made it count. In 1970 and 1971, he ranked second nationally in receiving yards, catching 93 passes over those two seasons. His game-winning performance against Notre Dame helped cement his spot in Tiger history.
9. Brandon LaFell (2006–2009)
LaFell was a steady playmaker who quietly put together one of LSU’s most productive careers—175 catches, 2,517 yards, and 25 touchdowns. He played key roles in the NFL, including catching a touchdown in the Patriots’ Super Bowl XLIX win over the Seahawks.
10. Brian Thomas Jr. (2021–2023)
Thomas Jr., one of the newest names on the list, lived up to LSU’s WR tradition. He totaled 1,897 yards and 24 touchdowns in college before being drafted by the Jaguars in 2024. As a rookie, he put up 595 yards and five scores on just 35 receptions — not bad for a guy still getting his NFL feet wet.
Why LSU Keeps Producing Elite Wideouts
It’s not a fluke. LSU’s WR pipeline results from high-level recruiting, elite player development, and constant exposure to big moments under the lights. Whether catching passes in Death Valley or lighting up NFL secondaries, LSU receivers know how to deliver.
KEEP READING: LSU Tigers Salute WR Ja’Marr Chase’s Record Deal With Appreciation Message
And with new talent always coming in, don’t be shocked if a few current Tigers crack this top 10 in the next few years. One thing’s for sure — LSU isn’t slowing down when creating wide receiver royalty.
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