New Year, No ‘New Me’ for Garrett Nussmeier. The LSU QB has been in an awkward spot all year. LSU started the year on a losing note to the Trojans, but Garrett Nussmeier put in some work, and Brian Kelly went on a massive 6-win run. The A&M happened, and, well, Nussmeier completions? Started dwindling. 55 average across 3 games says a lot. Not only was this dude beaten and battered, but his turnover issues were causing major problems for LSU. Honestly, in the Bama game? We have never seen Kelly this awestruck at the sidelines. And then Florida? Man, the Gators dragged Nussmeier down with 7 whole sacks. Now, with 2025 here, you would expect some good news coming his way, right?

Yeah, no. Back on Instagram, Garrett Nussmeier’s girlfriend, Ella Springfield, shared a sad update. “Last one for the 24 season. Until next year,” Ella wrote. Yeah, so she is graduating and leaving LSU. For Garrett? Who has decided to stick back with Kelly? This ain’t gonna be a fun time. Is their relationship coming to an end? No, we don’t think so. Because back when Garrett first announced his decision, Ella was very supportive of it.

“So beyond proud of the person you are. Cannot wait to see all you do this next year!!” was what she mentioned on social media. The distance could be a problem, but come on, if they love each other, they will find a way.

However, as for his return to the Tigers. Is this a good thing? We think so. Yes, 2024 was hard on him and Kelly, but the new influx of NIL money and the changing portal game from LSU points towards a positive 2025 season run.

“We can put together an SEC Championship roster,” was what Kelly mentioned when the Tigers managed to hit their donation goal. This allowed the roster to grab 13 players from the portal and almost all of them rank on the Top 10 list. However, before we even GET to the 2025 season, Kelly and Garrett still have to clear out Baylor.

The Texas Bowl

A 3rd straight Bowl win is at stake. For Baylor and Dave Aranda, this is like facing the ghosts of the past. Aranda wasn’t only part of the Tigers squad for 4 big seasons, but he also stood witness as LSU dragged Clemson out with 42-25 on the board and won the natty in 2019.

He knows the stake, and he knows what the team is capable of. However, much like Michigan, Kelly’s squad is not their 2019 self. They’ve lost massive players, and Garrett has been “so-so” as the quarterback.

Aranda was the DC, so he knows what he needs to do to stop the LSU run and passing game. However, does Kelly know how to deal with the Bears, who have been somewhat dominant this season?