LSU is quietly building a quarterback dynasty—and Garrett Nussmeier might just be the Tigers’ next chapter of Heisman-worthy greatness. Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels are already revered as LSU legends—and Heisman winners in 2019 and 2023.
Nussmeier has stepped up with serious star power of his own. After a breakout 2024 campaign, the junior quarterback not only passed on the NFL Draft but also doubled down on a mission: deliver LSU another championship.
Garrett Nussmeier’s “Cannon Arm” Sets Up LSU Nicely
As the college football season gets closer, the LSU Tigers are one of the SEC teams expected to make a College Football Playoff push. College Football Network recently graded the “Bayou Bengals'” signal-caller as the second-best returning quarterback in the nation.
The decision instantly elevated expectations around Baton Rouge, and for good reason: the “Nuss Bus” is fully loaded for a title run.
According to our “Returning College Quarterbacks” piece, “The cannon-armed quarterback opted to return to Death Valley rather than declare for the 2025 NFL Draft and enters the upcoming college football season having set the second-highest CSN QB+ grade among returning quarterbacks.”
God is Good!
Can’t wait to jump on the sticks! Cover szn!#CFB26 #ad https://t.co/BLuEzLJxp7 pic.twitter.com/mg5PsbOXsu— Garrett Nussmeier (@Garrettnuss13) May 27, 2025
Nussmeier aired it out in 2024 with 525 pass attempts, throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns and completing 64.2% of his passes. His passer rating of 142.7 marked a massive leap in efficiency from his earlier appearances.
But what separates him from the pack is his clutch performance on “money downs.” According to CFN’s advanced metrics, no returning quarterback was better on third or fourth down last year.
Nussmeier converted 49.7% of his money-down throws—best in the nation—and moved the chains (or scored) on a ridiculous 37.2% of his total pass attempts, more than any other SEC QB with 200-plus attempts. He was delivering under pressure, drive after drive.
Sure, you might label Nussmeier as a traditional pocket passer. But don’t sleep on his wheels.
Though his net rushing yards sat at -38, thanks to sacks, he rushed for three touchdowns, mostly on red-zone scrambles and designed QB keepers. He showed enough mobility to extend plays, escape collapsing pockets, and give defenses something else to worry about. It’s not “Lamar Jackson”-level, but it’s enough to keep DCs on their heels.
Add to LSU’s continued faith in OC Joe Sloan, who also serves as QB coach, and you will have a system tailor-made to maximize Nussmeier’s blend of arm talent and football IQ.
If there’s a red flag on Nussmeier’s otherwise brilliant resume, it’s the 12 interceptions he threw last season—the most in the SEC, tied with Carson Beck and Quinn Ewers.
That’s the double-edged sword of a high-volume passer with confidence in his cannon. His aggressive nature leads to big plays but sometimes forces throws that don’t need to happen. If he can clean that up, he’s not just elite—he’s Heisman-caliber.
Nussmeier could’ve gone pro—and many thought he would. Instead, he’s back with unfinished business, and the 2025 goals are ambitious:
- A Heisman Trophy chase, joining LSU’s exclusive QB club with Burrow and Daniels.
- A shot at breaking LSU’s single-season passing records, which could cement him as one of the program’s all-time greats.
- A return to the College Football Playoff, which eluded the Tigers last year despite their heroics.
And he’s got new toys to help get there. LSU dominated the transfer portal, bringing in elite weapons like Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (Kentucky)—a wide receiver duo loaded with speed and big-play potential.
Yes, the Tigers lost All-American OT Will Campbell (No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft), and the offensive line will feature four new starters. But if they can give Nussmeier time to throw, LSU’s passing attack could be lethal.
Circle the Calendar
The schedule isn’t forgiving. LSU opens the season with a blockbuster road game at Clemson on August 30—an early showdown against fellow top-10 QB Cade Klubnik. From there, the gauntlet continues. In September, the Tigers will have dates against Florida and at Ole Miss. Later in the year, they’ll host Texas A&M and travel to Alabama.
RELATED: ‘The Floor Is the Playoff’ — Analyst Shares Bold Prediction for Brian Kelly, LSU Football in 2025
Nussmeier will be under the national microscope in all five games. Nussmeier has the arm. He’s got the numbers. And now, he’s got a roster around him that’s good enough to chase a national title. But to climb from Top-2 QB to No. 1 overall pick in 2026, he’ll need to protect the football and keep LSU in the championship hunt.
If he does? Get ready to etch another name into the Tigers’ quarterback pantheon—and onto the stage in New York City.
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