Louisiana State University (LSU) is a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, with a rich history of success across multiple sports. When fans and sports enthusiasts ask, “How many NCAA championships does LSU have?” the answer reveals an impressive legacy that spans decades. As of March 20, 2025, LSU has secured 47 NCAA-sponsored national championships, ranking them among the top programs in the country. This blog post explores LSU’s championship history, breaking down their titles by sport, highlighting key moments, and examining what makes the Tigers a perennial contender in NCAA competition.
LSU’s NCAA Championship Count: The Big Picture
LSU’s athletic program boasts 47 NCAA-recognized team national championships across various sports, a testament to their consistent excellence. These titles are part of a broader total of 52 team national championships, which includes five additional titles not sponsored by the NCAA (such as pre-NCAA era wins or championships from other governing bodies). This places LSU ninth overall among NCAA programs for team titles, showcasing their dominance in college sports.
The Tigers’ success isn’t limited to one sport. From football to gymnastics, baseball to track and field, LSU has left an indelible mark on the NCAA landscape. Let’s dive into the specifics of their championship haul and explore the sports that have contributed to this legacy.
LSU Football: Gridiron Glory
A Tradition of National Titles
LSU’s football program is one of the most celebrated in college sports, with 4 NCAA-recognized national championships:
- 1958: Under head coach Paul Dietzel, LSU went 11-0, capping the season with a 7-0 Sugar Bowl victory over Clemson. The Tigers were named national champions by both the AP and Coaches Polls.
- 2003: Coached by Nick Saban, LSU finished 13-1, defeating Oklahoma 21-14 in the BCS National Championship Game. They shared the title with USC, who won the AP Poll.
- 2007: Les Miles led the Tigers to a 12-2 record, overcoming two losses to claim the BCS National Championship with a 38-24 win over Ohio State.
- 2019: Ed Orgeron’s squad went a perfect 15-0, dominating Clemson 42-25 in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Led by Heisman winner Joe Burrow, this team is often hailed as one of the greatest in college football history.
Beyond NCAA Recognition
LSU also claims additional football titles from earlier eras (1908, 1936, 1962, 2011) based on NCAA-designated major selectors, though these are not universally recognized as NCAA championships. The 1958, 2003, 2007, and 2019 titles, however, stand as their official NCAA football crowns.
LSU Baseball: Kings of the Diamond
Seven Titles in Three Decades
LSU’s baseball program has been a dominant force, securing 7 NCAA championships, all since 1991:
- 1991: The first title under Skip Bertman, defeating Wichita State 6-3.
- 1993: A 8-0 shutout of Wichita State cemented Bertman’s legacy.
- 1996: A thrilling 9-8 win over Miami, highlighted by Warren Morris’s walk-off home run.
- 1997: LSU crushed Alabama 13-6 for back-to-back titles.
- 2000: A 6-5 victory over Stanford marked Bertman’s fifth championship.
- 2009: Under Paul Mainieri, LSU beat Texas 11-2 in the decisive game.
- 2023: Jay Johnson’s squad topped Florida 18-4 in Game 3 of the College World Series finals.
A Baseball Powerhouse
With seven titles, LSU ranks second only to USC (12) in NCAA baseball championships. Their consistent success, particularly in the 1990s under Bertman, has made Alex Box Stadium a feared venue for opponents.
LSU Women’s Basketball: A Breakthrough Championship
The 2023 Triumph
LSU’s women’s basketball team claimed their first NCAA championship in 2023, defeating Iowa 102-85 in a record-setting final. Coached by Kim Mulkey in her second season at LSU, the Tigers showcased a dynamic offense, led by Jasmine Carson’s 22 points off the bench and Angel Reese’s record-breaking 34th double-double of the season.
Building a Legacy
This title marked LSU’s 50th team national championship overall and their first in women’s basketball, ending a drought despite six prior Final Four appearances. It signaled the beginning of what could become a dynasty under Mulkey, a coach with three prior NCAA titles at Baylor.
LSU Gymnastics: Flipping to the Top
The 2024 Crown
LSU gymnastics added to the university’s championship tally with their first NCAA title in 2024. The team, coached by Jay Clark, scored a 198.225 to edge out California, Utah, and Florida in the NCAA Championships. Standout performances from Haleigh Bryant and Aleah Finnegan propelled the Tigers to victory.
A Rising Program
This win was a culmination of years of near-misses, including multiple runner-up finishes. It brought LSU’s NCAA championship count to 47 and highlighted the program’s growing prominence in the sport.
LSU Track and Field: Dominance on the Oval
Outdoor Track and Field Excellence
LSU’s track and field teams have been a juggernaut, particularly in outdoor competition. The women’s team has won 14 NCAA outdoor titles:
- 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2008
The men’s team has secured 4 NCAA outdoor titles:
- 1933, 1989, 1990, 2002
Indoor Success
The men’s indoor track team has claimed 2 NCAA championships (2001, 2004), while the women’s team has 11 indoor titles (1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004).
A Track Legacy
With a combined 31 NCAA track and field championships, LSU ranks among the elite programs in the sport. Their success spans decades, with the women’s team particularly dominant in the late 1980s and 1990s under coach Pat Henry.
LSU Boxing: A Historic Title
The 1949 Championship
LSU’s boxing team won the NCAA championship in 1949, going undefeated and defeating South Carolina in the final. Led by individual champions Wilbert “Pee Wee” Moss and Edsel “Tad” Thrash, this title remains a unique piece of LSU’s athletic history, as boxing was discontinued as an NCAA sport in 1960.
A Forgotten Legacy
While boxing is no longer part of the NCAA, LSU’s 1949 victory adds to their diverse championship portfolio, showcasing their success beyond mainstream sports.
Breaking Down LSU’s NCAA Championships by Sport
Here’s a concise breakdown of LSU’s 47 NCAA championships:
- Football: 4 (1958, 2003, 2007, 2019)
- Baseball: 7 (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009, 2023)
- Women’s Basketball: 1 (2023)
- Gymnastics: 1 (2024)
- Men’s Outdoor Track and Field: 4 (1933, 1989, 1990, 2002)
- Women’s Outdoor Track and Field: 14 (1987-1997, 2000, 2003, 2008)
- Men’s Indoor Track and Field: 2 (2001, 2004)
- Women’s Indoor Track and Field: 11 (1987, 1989, 1991, 1993-1997, 2002-2004)
- Boxing: 1 (1949)
This tally excludes the five non-NCAA titles, such as the 1935 men’s basketball championship (pre-NCAA tournament era) and others recognized by LSU but not the NCAA.
What Makes LSU a Championship Contender?
Elite Coaching
LSU’s success is tied to legendary coaches like Paul Dietzel, Skip Bertman, Nick Saban, Les Miles, Ed Orgeron, Kim Mulkey, and Pat Henry. These leaders have instilled a culture of excellence and adaptability, driving their teams to national prominence.
Talent Pipeline
The state of Louisiana is a hotbed for athletic talent, and LSU capitalizes on this by recruiting top local prospects. Stars like Joe Burrow, Angel Reese, and Ja’Marr Chase have elevated the Tigers to championship heights.
Fan Support
The passionate LSU fan base, particularly at Tiger Stadium (nicknamed “Death Valley”), creates an intimidating atmosphere for opponents. This support extends across all sports, fueling the teams’ drive for success.
Comparing LSU to Other NCAA Powerhouses
LSU’s 47 NCAA championships place them among the elite, but how do they stack up? UCLA leads with 121 titles, followed by Stanford (132 total, including non-NCAA), USC (111), and Oklahoma State (52). While LSU trails these giants, their 47 titles rank them ninth, ahead of programs like Texas (44) and Michigan (39), cementing their status as a top-tier athletic institution.
The Future of LSU’s Championship Quest
With recent titles in women’s basketball (2023) and gymnastics (2024), LSU shows no signs of slowing down. Emerging talents, strong recruiting, and innovative coaching suggest more championships are on the horizon. Could football reclaim glory under Brian Kelly? Will baseball or track add to their tallies? The Tigers’ future looks bright.
Conclusion: LSU’s Storied NCAA Legacy
So, how many NCAA championships does LSU have? As of March 20, 2025, the answer is 47, a number that reflects decades of dominance across multiple sports. From football’s gridiron triumphs to baseball’s diamond dynasty, track and field’s oval excellence, and recent breakthroughs in women’s basketball and gymnastics, LSU’s championship legacy is undeniable. Whether you’re a die-hard Tigers fan or a casual observer, LSU’s athletic achievements offer a compelling story of resilience, talent, and triumph. What’s your favorite LSU championship moment? Let us know in the comments!
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