Kiffin Names Two Legendary College Football Trios

LSU coach says only Burrow, Chase, and Jefferson match USC's Leinart, Bush, and White

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:53pm

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LSU head coach Lane Kiffin recently weighed in on the debate over the most influential trios in college football history, suggesting that only the LSU trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson belongs in the same conversation as USC's Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and LenDale White. Kiffin, who coached the USC trio as an assistant, believes the LSU group redefined the tactical limits of the passing game, while the USC trio moved the sport culturally.

Why it matters

This comparison highlights the evolution of modern offenses in college football, with the 2019 LSU team setting the blueprint for the current explosive, pass-heavy era of the sport. Both the USC and LSU trios fundamentally changed how recruiters and coaches approach roster building at the highest level of the Power Four conferences.

The details

The USC trio of Bush, Leinart, and White defined the Trojans' dynasty in the mid-2000s, with Kiffin serving as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator during their success. In 2005, this group led the first offense in NCAA history to feature a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers, and a 1,000-yard receiver in a single season. The LSU trio of Burrow, Chase, and Jefferson responded with a statistical season in 2019 that remains the gold standard for modern efficiency, with Burrow throwing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, and Chase and Jefferson each recording over 1,500 receiving yards.

  • In 2005, the USC trio led the first offense in NCAA history to feature a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers, and a 1,000-yard receiver in a single season.
  • In 2019, the LSU trio of Burrow, Chase, and Jefferson set the gold standard for modern offensive efficiency.

The players

Reggie Bush

A former USC running back who was the focal point of the Trojans' dynasty in the mid-2000s, recording 2,890 all-purpose yards in 2005 alone.

Matt Leinart

The former USC quarterback who won the 2004 Heisman Trophy and led the Trojans to three consecutive national championship games.

LenDale White

The physical finisher for the USC offense, setting a school record with 52 career rushing touchdowns.

Joe Burrow

The former LSU quarterback who threw for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns in 2019, setting an NCAA record at the time.

Ja'Marr Chase

The former LSU wide receiver who led the nation with 20 receiving touchdowns and 1,780 receiving yards in 2019, winning the Biletnikoff Award.

Justin Jefferson

The former LSU wide receiver who set a then-school record with 111 receptions for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“I take full responsibility for the play, and for the loss. I will never blame LenDale.”

— Lane Kiffin, Former USC Offensive Coordinator

What’s next

LSU will look to continue their recruiting momentum as they prepare for their spring game on Saturday, April 18.

The takeaway

The comparison between the USC and LSU trios highlights the evolution of modern offenses in college football, with the 2019 LSU team setting the blueprint for the current explosive, pass-heavy era of the sport. Both groups fundamentally changed how recruiters and coaches approach roster building at the highest level of the Power Four conferences.