JOE BURROW: A WHAT IF STORY
Ajay Allen - August 26, 2025
Joe Burrow grew up in Athens, Ohio, where he developed a reputation as a precise and intelligent quarterback in high school. He went on to attend Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, where he spent three seasons competing for playing time behind established quarterbacks. Seeking a chance to start and fully showcase his talent, Burrow transferred to LSU, where he flourished under head coach Ed Orgeron. His 2019 season at LSU became historic. He threw for over 5,600 yards, set the single season record for touchdown passes with 60, and led the Tigers to a national championship, earning the Heisman Trophy in the process. His accomplishments made him the number one overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, selected by the Cincinnati Bengals, and he quickly became one of the NFL’s brightest young quarterbacks.
During Burrow’s recruitment, Nebraska head coach Scott Frost reportedly remarked, “You think he is better than what we got,” referencing Adrian Martinez, the highly sought out quarterback Nebraska had already secured.
Frost’s comment illustrates how different recruiting decisions could have dramatically altered the course of Burrow’s career. What if, instead of going to Ohio State in Columbus for three seasons, Burrow had accepted an offer from Nebraska and started his college career in Lincoln?
In this alternate reality, Burrow spends those three seasons at Nebraska, immediately taking command of the offense and energizing the program. The Nebraska roster at the time had talented skill players, and with Burrow’s leadership and accuracy, the offense would become more dynamic and consistent.
Adrian Martinez remains on the team, creating internal competition, but Burrow’s intelligence and quick adaptation to the playbook earn him the starting role by the season opener. The combination of Burrow’s decision making with Nebraska’s established running backs and emerging receivers allows the Huskers to perform at a level the program had not seen in years.
Burrow’s seasons at Nebraska showcase his natural ability to read defenses and make quick, precise throws. He begins breaking school passing records and throwing with efficiency and poise that draws national attention. Nebraska’s offense becomes one of the most respected in the Big Ten, and Burrow’s performances spark conversations about his potential to compete for national awards.
Over the three seasons, he continues to elevate the team, leading the Huskers to multiple winning campaigns and rekindling enthusiasm among Nebraska fans, who begin to envision the program as a legitimate contender once again.
The impact of Nebraska’s supporting players cannot be understated. A talented running back could complement Burrow’s style, helping to open passing lanes and control the tempo of games. Receivers who develop alongside him would make the offense nearly unstoppable, while the offensive line’s protection would allow Burrow to showcase his accuracy on deep passes. Even with challenges in certain areas, Burrow’s intelligence and leadership allow him to thrive in a competitive conference and elevate the entire team’s performance.
By the time NFL scouts turn their eyes toward him, Burrow’s achievements at Nebraska have cemented his reputation as a top prospect. Although he may not achieve the exact statistical heights or national championship glory he reached at LSU, his experience leading a Big Ten program under the pressure of high expectations demonstrates resilience and elite talent. His draft stock remains high, and he enters the NFL prepared to make an immediate impact, carrying with him the legacy of having revitalized Nebraska football.
In this scenario, Nebraska benefits immensely from Burrow’s presence. The program gains national attention, stronger recruiting momentum, and a quarterback capable of leading the team to victories against major conference rivals. While Burrow’s individual accolades may differ slightly from the record setting success he enjoyed at LSU, his influence on the program and the Big Ten would be profound. His leadership in Lincoln would leave a lasting mark on Nebraska football, giving fans decades of memorable performances and a quarterback to remember as one of the best the program ever developed.
In an even more layered twist of fate, imagine Burrow spending three seasons at Nebraska, developing as a quarterback and leading the Huskers to winning seasons. Yet, the pull of LSU, combined with the opportunity to compete for a national championship and play with a veteran roster, eventually draws him south.
Burrow transfers to LSU for his final season, where he picks up his career trajectory close to what actually happened, culminating in his record setting 2019 season, Heisman Trophy, and selection as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. In this version, Nebraska still benefits from his presence and leadership, but the ultimate spotlight and historic accolades follow him to LSU, blending a what if scenario with the reality we know today.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
As fall approaches, anticipation for the Fighting Illini season is building. With a strong core returning, the Illini are poised to make a statement in 2025.