Garrett Nussmeier Clears Feelings on LSU QB Job Reality After Making Serious Roster Admission

Garrett Nussmeier put together a solid 2024 run in Baton Rouge, no doubt. But let’s be honest—LSU’s path to success wasn’t always smooth. Things were going well until Nussmeier began making careless throws. As LSU insider Matt Moscona observed, “There’s a big difference between being instinctive and being careless,” and those 12 interceptions last season certainly made him appear careless. A lackluster performance in a 27-16 game against Florida, a team that posed little challenge, further highlighted these inconsistencies. Despite this, Brian Kelly trusts his quarterback. Now, with Nussmeier leading the Tigers for his second season, the stakes are higher than ever, and Garrett is ready for the challenge.

After years in Jayden Daniels’ shadow, he’s now in his second year as QB1, guiding an offense tailored to his strengths. While he has always shown glimpses of talent—a strong arm, confidence, and a gunslinger mentality—he is now more than just running Brian Kelly’s offense; he is its heart. This is exactly what Tigers fans have been hoping for.

LSU boasts a legacy of quarterback excellence, from Daniels to Joe Burrow, each showing remarkable growth. Yet, when probed about his own year-to-year progress, Nussmeier sidestepped the question, focusing solely on his ultimate objective. “I think that’s not really my focus. I think that I’m worried about doing the best I can to help LSU win a national championship. That’s the mindset, that’s the energy and intensity that I bring every single day. And it’s not about me; it’s not about the transition or the year two. It’s about LSU football and year four under Coach Kelly—what are we going to do? And we’re not afraid to admit it; we’ve set the standard of where we expect to be, and we expect to play football in January next year”—direct and to the point.

But let’s not act like Garrett Nussmeier is dragging his feet. He is heading into his second year as LSU’s QB1, with high expectations following a solid debut season. Nussmeier posted impressive stats last season, including 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and a 64.2% completion rate. While there is still room for improvement, Nussmeier is aware of that, and his vision is pretty clear on the ultimate goal: winning a national championship. Even Paul Finebaum trusts his gameplay.

Even though Finebaum is known for his program critiques, he occasionally offers a solid take. And he believes LSU’s QB1 could contend for the 2025 Heisman Trophy. “I think (Garrett) Nussmeier, assuming that LSU can overall do its part, I think Nussmeier very well could be in New York,” Finebaum pointed out. Judging by his 2024 performance, that potential is certainly there. Despite interception and completion struggles, Nussmeier led LSU to nine wins, including a notable victory over a formidable Ole Miss team. Still, 2025 could be a ‘make or break’ year for him. But with a ‘not so big’ receiver’s room, the question remains: is that Heisman run or natty dream even possible?

Garrett Nussmeier’s confidence: LSU’s receiver depth amidst expectations

Spring practice in Baton Rouge has become a pivotal proving ground for LSU’s retooled offense, offering Brian Kelly a critical opportunity to assess Garrett Nussmeier’s needs. With the specter of a disappointing season looming without reliable targets, the stakes are undeniably high. However, LSU’s offensive landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation, boasting an enhanced receiving corps and versatile running back options.

The infusion of talent began with Kentucky speedster Barion Brown, followed by Oklahoma star Nic Anderson and Florida State’s Destyn Hill, effectively providing Nussmeier with the tools he needs. This trio of newcomers, along with returnees Chris Hilton, Aaron Anderson, and Zavion Thomas, positions LSU as having one of the SEC’s deepest receiving corps. And the addition of Harlem Berry at running back offers a multitude of strategic possibilities.

Despite questions surrounding the size of the receiver room, Nussmeier remains steadfast in his confidence. “Yeah, it might not be very big, but it’s very deep at each position. We have a lot of talent, and we have a lot of players that can go get the football. We’ve got guys that will make plays with the ba-l in their hands, so we have a very dynamic room, I would say. It’s a very competitive room, and they push each other. They understand the standard, and that’s what we expect here,” he asserted, underscoring the room’s depth and competitive spirit. “It’s wide receiver U for a reason,” he added, referencing the legacy that WRs like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson left behind.

As LSU prepares for the 2025 season, will this influx of talent coalesce into a championship-caliber offense? While Nussmeier’s trust in his team’s offensive capabilities is evident, we have to wait and see if they can deliver on the promise and contend for a national championship.