LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will step onto the field with newfound advantages in 2025. Is that enough to carry him to a Heisman Trophy?
Garrett Nussmeier’s Raised Expectations
After a senior season where he led the SEC in completions and attempts, the LSU quarterback could spark a Tigers renaissance. With the vision of 2019 and Jayden Daniels’ excellence firmly a memory, 2025 presents Nussmeier a chance. More importantly, LSU needs a bounce-back season.
While the vultures may not circle for head coach Brian Kelly yet, the program should never acclimate themselves into also-ran status — not the program built by Nick Saban, maintained by Les Miles, and renovated by Ed Orgeron. In the hearts of players, alums, and donors, LSU deserves far better. The question remains: can Nussmeier lead the team back?
To say that Nussmeier grew up in and around the game remains an understatement to this day. His father, Doug, holds memories to many of a certain age.
The elder Nussmeier set records and made history at Idaho. For example, he is one of five FBS quarterbacks (Daunte Culpepper, Colin Kaepernick, Steve McNair, and Dan LeFevour) to throw for more 10,000 yards and rush for over a 1,000.
After a career as an NFL backup, Doug headed to the Canadian Football League and won a championship with the BC Lions. Leaping into coaching saw the father win a national championship as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2012.
On Sunday, Feb. 9, he raised the Lombardi Trophy as the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback coach. Quarterback play is in the Nussmeier genes.
Although he will not impress scouts with his height and weight distribution, Garrett Nussmeier’s talent remains live. He’s able to throw the ball with confidence all over the field through various coverages. While not known as a mobile quarterback, he moves well enough to escape trouble while looking downfield.
What jumps out more is the confidence not to let the defense dictate opportunity. Instead, you will see him throw the ball into unbelievably small windows. Now, this happens to come back to bite him, as the SEC-leading 12 interceptions would attest.
Yet, Nussmeier does not dwell on interceptions, choosing to possess a forgetful mindset. He cannot undo those throws and will only train on the immediate future and the very next pass.
While the team loses wide receiver Kyren Lacy due to his legal entanglements, Nussmeier will see a mix of returning talent, transfers, and recruits.
Sophomore wideout Aaron Anderson will look to command the most targets, and Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson brings big play ability (21 yards per catch). Meanwhile, fellow Oklahoma transfer tight end Bauer Sharp presents a safety valve option.
Either way, the offense looks strong. Plus, coach Kelly deserves credit for the ability of developing prolific offenses and using the portal to help. Additionally, the seventh-best recruit class for 2025 answers any lingering problems regarding a supporting cast.
On his way to a potential Heisman run, Nussmeier will need to show out and win on the road. LSU plays Clemson, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Alabama, and Oklahoma on the road in 2025. That is a rough gauntlet if there ever was one. The team cannot fold or even bend against what looks like brutal road games.
KEEP READING: Colton Nussmeier, Brother of Garrett Nussmeier, Gaining Momentum in College Football Recruiting
In essence, the veteran quarterback must elevate his play and those around him in order to succeed. Instead of counterpunching and trying to play score for score with the opposing team, Nussmeier needs to push the issue.
For Nussmeier to possibly contend for the Heisman, he will most certainly have to earn it. With daunting games away from Death Valley, stacking prodigious numbers will not be enough for the team to win. Furthermore, any Heisman aspirations will bring the urgency to the forefront.
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