Baton Rouge took a collective sigh of relief about a fortnight ago. Those of an LSU persuasion were fearing the worst as the walls were closing in on them. Three straight losses down the stretch took them out of the playoff reckoning. Couple this with their embarrassing failure to keep Bryce Underwood committed and an overall poor Signing Day made matters worse. Fortunately, things are on the up again. They’ve won the Texas Bowl, and QB1 Garrett Nussmeier has confirmed he’s foregoing the NFL draft to return to LSU, minus a couple of pillars of strength.

In a video posted on X, Nussmeier confirmed, “I’m fully committed to bringing this university a championship. My teammates, coaches, and the fans will get the absolute best out of me every single day until we complete that goal.” After playing backup to Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels in 2022 and 2023, Nussmeier took over the starting QB this season and threw for 3,739 yards with 26 touchdowns completing 63.7 percent of his passes.

Following this announcement, he led LSU to a second bowl win after his career start in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day in 2024. In true Bowl game spirit, running back Josh Williams took the pigskin to the end-zone from a direct snap in his last game for the Tigers. Nuss took to his IG to post a tribute.

Acknowledging the play and Williams’ overall aid in his own escapades, Nussmeier said “Nobody more deserving…been a fun ride 18…Gonna miss you fam love ya”. Williams was in his sixth year at LSU, having joined the team as a walk-on in 2019. During his tenure, he proved to be a capable asset to the team both running the ball and in pass protection. 

He was the first LSU walk-on to be selected to wear jersey #18 and is the last remaining member of the 2019 national champions Tigers team. Fittingly the 5-9, 215-pound Houston product got to end his college football career at the NRG Stadium in Houston in front of his family and friends. This year he played 13 games for LSU, finishing with 482 yards and six TDs.

Nussmeier then proceeded to give a message to his other RB, Ty’son Edwards, who is also on his way out.

Edwards posted a picture posed up with Nussmeier, who’s holding his Texas Bowl MVP trophy. “Proud of u brudda” wrote Edwards. Garrett Nussmeier replied with “[You know] what it is…been a long ride.”  Edwards transferred to LSU from Columbia University, where he completed his undergraduate studies. 

Meanwhile, Nuss’s performance was merited on an upward trend that goes back. Nuss also played lights out in LSU’s last regular season game against Oklahoma. Against Baylor, Nussmeier threw for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and finished  24 of 34.

Post-game, he discussed persevering through a shoulder injury he picked up in the first half. He said he wanted to do so for the seniors playing their last game at Tiger Stadium. These goodbyes have been coming for a long time and it is not the only 

Off the field too, Nuss has had some difficult growing pains to deal with. His girlfriend, Ella Springfield, is a part of the graduating class out of Baton Rouge. She shared a post on Instagram with pictures from her graduation celebration which also included a photo with his boyfriend. In the caption, she wrote, “Hi my name is Ella Springfield and I just graduated from Louisiana State University.”

Nussmeier himself fought long and hard with the idea of going pro instead of returning. He was projected to be a first- or second-round pick had he decided to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Moreover, there was also potential for Nussmeier to transfer elsewhere for his final season of eligibility. His decision to stay was a crucial one for LSU, who saw 17 players enter the transfer portal.

The program was also dealt a major blow when the No. 1 recruit in next year’s class, Bryce Underwood flipped his commitment and joined Michigan after a reported massive NIL offer.

Nussmeier now has his eyes set on the championship after helping LSU to an 8-4 record and bowl success. A couple of factors played a part in his opting into an LSU team that, quite honestly, needs him, despite having good reasons to join his teammates in leaving Brian Kelly’s program.

Garrett Nussmeier had enough reason to tag along with the outgoings

Garrett Nussmeier has acquired some very positive draft consideration from the big league. As the son of former NFL quarterback Doug Nussmeier, his style of play and development has been catered towards the NFL from the outset. Doug currently serves as the QB coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s worked in that very capacity for the Chargers and the Cowboys in the past. It’s fair to discern that the tutelage Garrett is getting in-house as well as at LSU will inadvertently prepare him for the step up. The recent lineage of QBs out of LSU is very strong. Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels’ escapades only increase his own standing.

Apart from this, he also has the tangible athletic traits that franchises yearn for. At about 6 ‘2 and 200 pounds, Garrett Nussmeier has the tools for mobility out of as well as presence inside the pocket. Nuss’ cannon arm is perhaps his best attribute, and he can really sling it. He’s got multiple 400-plus-yard performances this season.

With that said, maximizing your eligibility at a competitive program such as LSU is never a bad route to take. After missing out on Bryce Underwood to Michigan’s late charge, Brian Kelly needed another year out of Nussmeier to alleviate pressure stemming from mishaps on the recruitment front. He’s getting it, albeit without some of his running mates. It’ll be fascinating to see how Nuss adapts to a new-look running backroom and maybe a long-distance relationship!