Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) and quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrate a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Broncos at Paycor Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024.

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LSU dominates the NFL: Joe Burrow leads in pass yards, Chase and Jefferson rewrite WRU legacy

LSU stars dominate the NFL stage

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) and quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrate a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Broncos at Paycor Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024.

LSU continues to solidify its reputation as a football powerhouse, with alumni making headlines across the NFL. Joe Burrow leads the league in passing yards, while Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson are redefining the meaning of “Wide Receiver University” (WRU).

In the 2024 season, Chase leads the NFL in receiving yards with 1,612 and touchdowns (17), while Jefferson holds the second spot with 1,479 yards. These stats reflect the seamless transition of LSU’s 2019 national championship stars to professional dominance.

Chase and Jefferson: WRU icons

Both Jefferson and Chase are setting records and maintaining LSU’s WRU legacy. Chase’s 117 receptions and league-best 17 touchdowns showcase his dominance. Jefferson, meanwhile, continues to impress with his third season of at least 100 receptions and 1,400 yards. Together, they rank first and second in the league for receiving yards.

LSU is WELL REPRESENTED in the NFL🐯

🔶Joe Burrow: 1st in PASS YDS (4,641)
🔶Ja’Marr Chase: 1st in REC YDS (1,612)
🔶Justin Jefferson: 2nd in REC YDS

Baton Rouge is an NFL factory🔥 pic.twitter.com/FLB7EEOWRR
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) December 30, 2024

Jefferson also hit a major milestone this season, becoming the youngest player in NFL history to reach 7,000 career receiving yards at 25 years and 175 days. He broke the previous record held by Mike Evans. These accomplishments highlight LSU’s ability to produce NFL-ready stars.

Burrow leads Cincinnati’s playoff push

Joe Burrow has been crucial for the Cincinnati Bengals. In Week 17, he delivered a career-best performance against the Denver Broncos, throwing for 412 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another. His total passing yards for the season—4,641—lead the league, with an impressive 42 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.

Burrow’s late-game decision-making has also drawn praise. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said, “[Burrow’s] awareness to get to a play like that just shows his next-level thinking.” Burrow’s leadership kept Cincinnati in playoff contention despite an 8-8 record.

Rising stars: Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers

LSU’s NFL influence isn’t limited to its veterans. Rookies Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers are making waves in their debut seasons.

Thomas, drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, broke the franchise’s rookie receiving record with 1,179 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said, “For a young kid, it’s very impressive.” Thomas is already being compared to Randy Moss for his consistency in games with at least 60 yards and a touchdown.

The present & future of the NFL 🔥🐯

2019 LSU Team
🥇Joe Burrow – No. 1 QB in Yards
🥇Ja'Marr Chase – No. 1 WR in Yards
🥈Justin Jefferson – No. 2 WR in Yards

2023 LSU Team
🥇Jayden Daniels – No. 1 Rookie QB in Yards
🥇Brian Thomas Jr. – No. 1 Rookie WR in Yards
🥈Malik Nabers… pic.twitter.com/sKdirT5XAa
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 30, 2024

Malik Nabers has also proven his worth with the New York Giants. Despite a challenging season, Nabers set the franchise’s rookie receptions record with 104 catches for 1,140 yards and six touchdowns. Giants head coach Brian Daboll praised him for his resilience, stating, “He’s a pretty good football player battling through a tough season.”

LSU’s dominance in the NFL extends beyond these stars. The program has established itself as a pipeline for elite talent, with players thriving at the highest level. As Burrow, Chase, and Jefferson lead the charge, LSU’s “NFLSU” legacy shows no signs of slowing down. The next wave of talent, led by Thomas Jr. and Nabers, ensures that Baton Rouge remains an NFL factory.

Image: Imagn

Ja’Marr Chase

Joe Burrow

Justin Jefferson

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Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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