What Is 2018 LSU Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 10–3 record and a victory over UCF in the Fiesta Bowl. Head coach Ed Orgeron led the team to a No. 6 final ranking in the AP Poll. The season marked LSU's first 10-win campaign since 2013.

Key Facts

Finished the 2018 season with a 10–3 overall record
Defeated UCF 40–32 in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl on January 1, 2019
Ranked No. 6 in the final AP Poll of the season
Started the season ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll
Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 2,894 yards and 16 touchdowns

Overview

The 2018 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Led by head coach Ed Orgeron, the team played its home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, one of the most intimidating venues in college football.

The season marked a turning point in LSU’s program trajectory, setting the foundation for future success, including the national championship run in 2019. Despite early struggles and a midseason quarterback change, the Tigers showed resilience and finished strong, culminating in a high-profile bowl victory.

Started the season ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll, reflecting high expectations after a 9–4 record in 2017 and a #9 final ranking.
Joe Burrow took over as starting quarterback in Week 5 after an injury to starter Brandon Harris, eventually throwing for 2,894 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Defeated No. 7 Miami 36–26 in the season opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a neutral-site game that drew over 85,000 fans.
Lost to No. 1 Alabama 29–24 in October in a close SEC matchup that kept LSU out of the playoff conversation but highlighted their competitiveness.
Won the 2019 Fiesta Bowl 40–32 over UCF, who entered the game undefeated and ranked No. 10, boosting LSU’s final national ranking.

Season Performance

The 2018 campaign was defined by defensive strength, quarterback development, and key wins that restored confidence in the program. Though inconsistent at times, LSU showed marked improvement over the previous year in both record and national perception.

Defensive dominance: The Tigers' defense ranked 7th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 18.1 points per game, a major factor in close victories.
Running back depth: Freshman Nick Brossette emerged midseason, finishing with 579 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, providing stability in the backfield.
Special teams impact: Kicker Colt David made 19 of 23 field goals, including a crucial 42-yarder in the Fiesta Bowl win over UCF.
SEC West standing: Finished 4–4 in conference play, placing third in the SEC Western Division behind Alabama and Texas A&M.
Final AP ranking: Ended the season at No. 6 in the AP Poll, their highest finish since 2011 and a sign of renewed national relevance.
Recruiting momentum: The strong finish helped LSU secure a top-10 recruiting class for 2019, including five-star prospects like linebacker K.J. Henry.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2018 LSU Tigers compared to recent seasons and key rivals:

Season	Overall Record	SEC Record	Final AP Rank	Bowl Result
2018	10–3	4–4	No. 6	W, 40–32 vs. UCF (Fiesta Bowl)
2017	9–4	5–3	No. 9	W, 27–23 vs. Louisville (Peach Bowl)
2016	8–4	4–4	Unranked	W, 29–9 vs. Louisville (Citrus Bowl)
2015	9–3	5–3	No. 12	L, 28–31 vs. Texas Tech (Texas Bowl)
2014	8–5	4–4	Unranked	L, 28–35 vs. TCU (Pinstripe Bowl)

The 2018 season represented a clear upward trend for LSU, with a 10-win season and a top-10 finish. While SEC West competition remained tough, the Fiesta Bowl win over a ranked UCF team added credibility. This performance laid the groundwork for the dominant 2019 season, when LSU would go undefeated and win the national title.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was pivotal for LSU football, serving as a bridge between years of underperformance and the program’s return to elite status. It validated Ed Orgeron’s leadership and accelerated recruiting momentum.

Restored national credibility: A 10-win season and top-10 finish reestablished LSU as a consistent national contender after several years of inconsistency.
Joe Burrow’s development: His emergence as a Heisman frontrunner in 2019 began in 2018, where he showed flashes of brilliance despite modest stats.
Defensive foundation: The unit’s strength in 2018 carried into 2019, forming the backbone of a championship-caliber team.
Boosted fan engagement: Attendance at Tiger Stadium averaged over 92,000 per game, reflecting renewed enthusiasm and support.
Recruiting impact: Success on the field helped LSU land top-tier recruits, including future NFL players like Ja’Marr Chase and Derek Stingley Jr.
Program momentum: The 2018 season directly preceded the historic 2019 campaign, making it a critical transitional year.

Ultimately, the 2018 LSU Tigers were more than just a successful team—they were the catalyst for a championship era. Their resilience, defensive excellence, and bowl victory signaled a return to prominence in college football.