National Football Foundation

SEC Champion LSU defeated Big 12 South Champion Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl BCS National Championship Game, marking the Tigers’ first MacArthur Bowl. Coached by Nick Saban, LSU finished 13-1 after a 21-14 victory against the Sooners in the Sugar Bowl BCS National Championship Game. The 2003 LSU team featured 2003 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and offensive lineman Rodney Reed, and 2005 William V. Campbell Trophy recipient and center Rudy Niswanger.

Representing the pinnacle of team achievement in college sports, the trophy was the gift of an anonymous donor, who commissioned Tiffany & Co. to craft it from 400 ounces of silver, in honor of NFF founder General Douglas A. MacArthur. It took eight months to make, and the trophy features MacArthur's famous quote: "There is no substitute for victory."