re: With 4 nattys and 3 heisman trophy’s, LSU is on the cusp of being a top 10 program…

I see what you mean in terms of the most elite titles/awards. Overall, it seems LSU is a top 10 program. I believe LSU is tied for 5th for all-time bowl appearances, there are only 7 teams with more national titles, and LSU is 12th for all-time wins (not including Ivy League Schools). Obviously, for the most part, they have been looked at as a top 5 program over the last 20 years and have had the results to back it up with as much success as anyone besides Bama during that stretch. And obviously that stretch helped boost the all-time numbers up as well.

Also, just from a perception standpoint, Tiger Stadium and the reputation with that has existed for many decades now. That helps add value to the program due to how much it's discussed on TV and with other media. It may not be what it used to be, but it has those moments like Bama 2022 that live up to all the hype and then some, and when people see that, they view LSU as one of those upper echelon programs.