Garrett Nussmeier has waited three seasons to become the starting quarterback at LSU, so he isn’t expected to be the Tigers’ third Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback in six years.
However, Joe Burrow also spent three seasons on the bench at Ohio State before transferring to LSU in 2018 and leading the Tigers to an undefeated national championship in 2019.
“He had to wait his time as well,” Nussmeier said about Burrow. “If I’m anywhere close to as good as him, I’ll be happy.”
Nussmeier has a challenging role ahead. For the past two seasons, he was a backup to Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman winner. Daniels’ impressive play both passing and running helped LSU lead the nation in offense.
Nussmeier, who isn’t as mobile as Daniels, passed his first major test in a 35-31 win over Wisconsin in last season’s ReliaQuest Bowl. Daniels missed the game as he was preparing for the NFL draft.
Nussmeier also benefits from playing behind a strong, experienced offensive line that includes two players who might be first-round NFL draft picks in 2025. The Tigers, ranked 13th in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, also have solid running backs, standout tight end Mason Taylor, and receivers eager to prove themselves after losing the top two from last season.
“We’re going to be explosive and very physical,” Nussmeier said. “It’s going to be something that’s fun to watch.”
Third-year coach Brian Kelly is more focused on creating running schemes that fit his players than on offensive statistics.
“Let us be who we are, play to our strengths,” Kelly said. “This is not about: ‘Statistically, what do we look like?’ This is about winning games.”
