Head coach Brian Kelly and LSU face a challenging task in replicating the success of the 2023 season, especially in terms of the quarterback position.
Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner last season, delivered an outstanding performance with 3,812 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and 1,134 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns. Now, redshirt sophomore Garrett Nussmeier finds himself in the challenging position of stepping into Daniels’ shoes.
Replacing such a remarkable player is a formidable task, but Kelly appears unfazed. In fact, LSU’s head coach exudes confidence when discussing Nussmeier, signaling optimism about the young quarterback’s capabilities.
In reference to Garrett Nussmeier, Coach Brian Kelly expressed optimism about the young quarterback’s development, stating to On3, “This is still a young man that is going to get better over time. He’s going to get all the reps that he hasn’t gotten. And we’ve seen glimpses of Garrett Nussmeier with very few reps. I think all of us, collectively, really like what we saw. So, what I think is exciting for me is—a guy that’s really going to get a lot of the reps and is going to get better and better.” This underscores Kelly’s confidence in Nussmeier’s potential for improvement as he gains more experience and playing time.
Supporting Kelly’s perspective, Nussmeier has been part of the LSU program since 2021, but his on-field appearances have been limited to 18 games over three seasons. However, he did make a noteworthy start in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl, stepping in for Daniels. In that game, Nussmeier showcased his potential by throwing for 395 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception, leading LSU to a 35-31 victory over Wisconsin. His outstanding performance earned him the game’s MVP title, offering LSU fans a glimpse of the exciting possibilities with Nussmeier at the helm.
Reflecting on Garrett Nussmeier’s performance against Wisconsin, Coach Kelly remarked, “We got a glimpse of it against Wisconsin. As the game unfolded, he got more comfortable, and he leads us on a 90+ yard drive at the end of the game. I think there is more to come, and that’s the exciting part.” Kelly’s observation underscores the potential he sees in Nussmeier’s ability to adapt and excel, indicating an optimistic outlook for the quarterback’s future contributions to the team.