LSU coach Ed Orgeron named Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow the starting quarterback ahead of the Tigers’ season opening matchup with Miami on Sunday, Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger reported. 
Orgeron told the quarterbacks in a face-to-face meeting on Monday after their final preseason “grades” came in. According to Orgeron, Burrow narrowly beat out sophomore Myles Brennan for the starting job. 
“It was a very, very tight race,” Orgeron said. “Both quarterbacks are ready to go in the game… If he does not perform well, we have no problem putting in a second team quarterback.”
Burrow played in 10 games in a backup role at Ohio State. He completed 29-of-39 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 52 yards and a touchdown. 
Brennan played six games in his freshman season at LSU, going 14 for 24 with 182 yards and a touchdown. 
Offensive coordinate Steve Ensminger monitored the quarterback’s snaps during fall camp. Burrow took 428, while Brennan took 427. 
Grades were given for every situation throughout fall camp, allowing the coaching staff to make decisions based on those grades. 
Orgeron raved about Burrow’s work ethic since transferring to LSU on May 18. Burrow is constantly putting in extra work, lifting weights or watching film on his own.
Junior Texas Tech transfer Jonathan Giles said that Burrow asked him to run routes together at the practice facility on his first day in Baton Rouge. 
“Joe’s had a great camp,” senior tight end Foster Moreau said. “He’s really shown excellent confidence, great poise in the pocket. He looks like he’s ready to play.”