Brian Kelly’s LSU team looked strong in the first four weeks of the season. The Tigers won their opening four games. That early momentum had many believing LSU would be one of the toughest programs to beat in the SEC this year.
Then came the trip to Oxford. Ole Miss handed the Tigers their first loss, a game that exposed flaws on both sides of the ball. The defeat was not just a setback in the standings. It was the kind of performance that has sparked real questions about LSU’s ability to contend at the highest level.
That loss has now shifted the narrative around LSU. Instead of being viewed as a team that could build toward a championship push, there are growing doubts about whether the Tigers can survive the grind ahead.
The SEC schedule will only get tougher, and with injuries piling up, the margin for error is shrinking. College football analyst Josh Pate echoed those concerns. He pointed out LSU’s inability to run the ball and the uncertainty surrounding Nussmeier’s health.
“Nussmeier’s hurt,” Pate said. “I don’t really know what they believe they have behind him. I know what the name on the depth chart is, ‘cuz I don’t know that they believe they’re comfortable going to him.” (From 14:58)
He questioned whether the team has the depth and confidence in its backups if the quarterback’s injury lingers. He also raised the possibility of losses piling up.
“I just wonder like ‘cuz I have no feel for what’s going to happen the rest of the way with them. I don’t think they’re done losing games,” Pate added.
That outlook is a far cry from where LSU stood just two weeks ago. The Ole Miss loss has changed the conversation, and now the Tigers face a defining stretch.
Brian Kelly Discarded Garrett Nussmeier Injury Rumors
Nussmeier is dealing with a core strain that has required extra caution from the staff. The issue was initially rumored to be severe enough for surgery, but Brian Kelly dismissed those reports and confirmed that the quarterback does not need any procedure.
“Those are not based on any facts. They’re quite silly, actually. This is misinformation,” Kelly SAID. “It’s been slow to heal. But as I mentioned, he’s on the backside of that. He’s getting rest this week, and he’ll be the Garrett Nussmeier that he needs to be as we get into the very difficult part of our schedule.”
Brian Kelly says surgery is not in consideration for Garrett Nussmeier.
It’s an ab strain that has taken longer to heal but maintains he’s on the “back end” of injury.
“He’ll be the Garrett Nussmeier he needs to be as we get into the difficult part of our schedule.”#LSU
— Glen West (@glenwest21) October 1, 2025
Kelly is confident that with enough rest, Nussmeier will be ready for the important matchup coming up next week against the South Carolina Gamecocks.
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