A collective sigh of relief pulsed across Baton Rouge about a fortnight ago. After the ink dried on a mediocre season, those of an LSU persuasion were fearing the worst. The Tigers ended the season with their tails firmly between their legs, both on and off the field. A stretch of 3 consecutive losses put them out of playoff reckoning, and this was coupled with their public embarrassment of failing to land Bryce Underwood. Fortunately, things are ascending skyward again. QB1 Garrett Nussmeier has confirmed he’s foregoing the NFL draft to return for his final year of college eligibility.

Nuss had been dropping subliminal hints in the lead up to his decision. He played lights out in LSU’s last regular season game against Oklahoma. Post-game, Garrett Nussmeier discussed his perseverance through a shoulder injury he picked up in the first half. He said he wanted to do so for the seniors who were playing their last game at Tiger Stadium. No part of his demeanor suggested Nussmeier would be a part of this contingent leaving. 

With LSU’s impending Texas Bowl against Baylor, Garrett Nussmeier has confirmed he’ll partake in the game. In a presser prior to the game, Nuss was naturally asked to elaborate on his decree of returning to school. “How was the process of realizing that you did want to come back and play one final year here?” asked one member of the media. Nuss gave glory to God for even affording him this opportunity.

“It was definitely surreal,” replied Nussmeier. “Just even being in that position to make that type of decision, I’m very thankful. God has put me in this position and given me this opportunity. Even [having] that decision for me to make in my life, you know.” Nuss acknowledged how he was faced with a choice that only the truly blessed ones are afforded.

“[The] NFL is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. To even fathom of making a decision to go play in it, or come back to my dream school…it’s two dreams. So it was definitely a surreal feeling, for sure… I’m full a 100% [sure] that I made the right decision,” he stated. His faith in the Almighty was a feature in Nussmeier’s aforementioned announcement video as well.

After deputizing Heisman winner and now Washington Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels for 2 years, Garrett Nussmeier got elevated in the QB depth chart this season. He took his opportunity. Albeit he did show some moments of growth scattered around his moments of greatness. It wasn’t a linear ride.

His 3739 yards and 26 TDs also brought along 11 picks. Perhaps another year of honing his skills would serve him well, especially since he ended the season much better than he started. This was perhaps a factor in his decision to bide his time before the big league.

Reasons why Garrett Nussmeier is already a coveted NFL prospect

Garrett Nussmeier has acquired some realistic draft consideration from the league. Being the son of former NFL QB Doug Nussmeier, his style and development have almost been catered towards the pros from a young age. Doug currently serves as the quarterbacks coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Doug also worked in that very capacity for the Cowboys and the Chargers. You can see the tutelage that Garrett is getting in-house will inadvertently prepare him for the step up.

Apart from this facet, he also has the tangible physical traits that franchises yearn for. At about 6 ‘2 and 200 pounds, Garrett Nussmeier has showcased mobility out of as well as presence inside the pocket. His arm is perhaps his best attribute. Nuss can really sling it. He’s got multiple 400-plus yard games this year. Add to these intangibles the recent lineage of QBs out of LSU. Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels’ escapades only increase his stock.

The NFL remains a far-sighted goal. For now, Nuss will have his focus solely on winning the Texas Bowl and ending the season on a high. Ironically, LSU participated in the 2021 Texas Bowl as well. If Nussmeier played in that game his junior year, he’d not have been able to return for 2025. He was redshirted that year, and playing that game would’ve breached the maximum no. of games allowed. Once again, Nuss probably thanks God for having the pieces fall his way in that regard.