Under Brian Kelly, LSU’s offense has been electric, but that defense? Still a work in progress. Sure, they climbed from 108th to 61st in total defense—better, but not great. And their red-zone defense? Went from getting torched at 112th to a respectable 19th. It’s progress, but let’s be real—if LSU wants a Natty, they need more than just “better.” They need elite. And now, the SEC insider has sounded the alarm—LSU’s defensive struggles could blow the lid off Garrett Nussmeier’s fate.

On a recent episode of Locked On SEC, the debate over Garrett Nussmeier’s true potential heated up. The consensus? He’s got talent, but he needs the right pieces around him to truly shine. One insider made it clear: “We’ll move to the underrated conversation is Garrett Nussmeier of LSU—not because I think he’s bad, but I just think he’s being discussed as if he’s a Heisman candidate and the best quarterback in the SEC. I just don’t think that he is. But I didn’t want that message to get twisted, so I didn’t say his name.”

However, another insider doubled down, saying, “I think he’s remarkably solid, and he will put up big numbers with some of the guys coming in through the transfer portal. I think it’s more about the system than him. Yeah, it’s more about the roster—he is dependent on his roster and on better situations in terms of down and distance.”

And that’s where the real issue lies. Can LSU’s system elevate Nussmeier, or will it expose him? As another SEC insider put it, “It’s hard to trust consistency out of Brian Kelly. And like you mentioned regarding the Heisman hype, he is first in Heisman odds right now. So, I could see a conversation for that. But again, I don’t know if he’s significantly overrated.” Safe to say, hyped or not, all eyes are on Nussmeier. Now, it’s time to prove if he’s the guy—or just another product of the system.

But hold on, LSU’s defense was a liability, giving up 24 points per game. That’s not championship football. If Brian Kelly wants Nussmeier to succeed, he has to invest in the other side of the ball. A shaky defense puts even more pressure on the offense, and that’s a recipe for disaster. However, Greg McElroy also didn’t mince words. He pointed out LSU’s shortcomings on February 9 by stating, “That defense last year gave up 24 points a game—that’s a problem.” Kelly is being plagued by ghosts from his past, and if he doesn’t make the defense better, they might potentially destroy LSU’s future.

Furthermore, LSU HC’s difficulties in Week 1 at LSU represent an issue rather than merely a pattern. “They desperately need to get a win there in Week 1 because Brian Kelly is 0-3 in Week 1 games at LSU,” McElroy stated with candor. Not only can losing in the beginning of the season hurt your record, but it also puts a strain on your mind. Before the actual grind really starts, early blunders can destroy confidence.

With Nussmeier at quarterback right now, 2025 might be the year that LSU reverses the trend. He has the opportunity to spark a Tigers comeback after leading the SEC in completions and attempts during his senior year. Now that 2019’s splendor and Jayden Daniels’ genius are just in the past, it’s Nussmeier’s time to make an impression. Above all, LSU has to have a successful season.

Can Garrett Nussmeier win the Heisman Trophy in 2025?

Garrett Nussmeier is leading the charge, but it’s too soon to tell. He’s not only in the Heisman race. With 4,052 yards and 29 TDs in his first full season as a starter for LSU, he made a compelling argument to be the top returning quarterback in CFB. He also has the benefit of history. Both Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels won the Heisman after dominating the Tigers’ offense in their second seasons. LSU quarterbacks in their second year have a unique quality. And Nussmeier might be the next in line for CFB’s highest prize if he can reduce the turnovers, particularly with a deeper and more skilled receiving corps.

Nevertheless, Nussmeier is aiming for the Heisman, not simply the title of the greatest quarterback in the SEC. He is at the top of FanDuel’s early odds, and the excitement is genuine. “Nussmeier, I think, is as good as anybody in the country. His arm talent is ridiculous. The throws are great,” said ESPN’s Rece Davis, who was unable to contain his excitement. Tobe honest, after a season of experience and a cannon for an arm, Nussmeier is prepared to take center stage.

But there will be no freebies or fast cuts if Garrett Nussmeier wants the Heisman. Particularly in difficult road battles outside of Death Valley, statistics by themselves are insufficient. Statement victories, pivotal events, and performances that grab voters’ attention are what he needs. Let’s now watch what happens with the exceptional quarterback this season.