As of February 12, 2025, it has been officially confirmed that Garrett Nussmeier, the LSU Tigers’ standout quarterback, has announced his departure from the team.
Nussmeier’s departure is a significant and emotional moment for LSU fans, as he had been one of the most promising players in the Tigers’ quarterback room in recent seasons. His decision to leave the program marks the end of an era and leaves LSU with an uncertain future at the quarterback position.
The Rise of Garrett Nussmeier
Garrett Nussmeier, a Texas native, joined LSU as a highly-rated recruit in 2021. Throughout his high school career, he was known for his strong arm, quick decision-making, and ability to lead his team to victory. Standing at 6’1” and weighing 195 pounds, Nussmeier possessed a natural ability to read defenses and make throws from the pocket, traits that made him a coveted prospect out of high school.
Nussmeier’s arrival at LSU coincided with the beginning of a rebuilding process for the Tigers under new head coach Brian Kelly. While he was not immediately thrust into the starting role, Nussmeier quickly became a key part of the quarterback competition. He was known for his poise and composure, qualities that allowed him to compete for the starting job despite the presence of veteran quarterbacks like Myles Brennan and Max Johnson.
Limited Playing Time and Growing Frustration
In his freshman season, Nussmeier saw limited playing time behind Myles Brennan and Max Johnson. Despite this, he displayed his potential in brief appearances, most notably during the Tigers’ losses to Auburn and Arkansas, where he showcased flashes of his ability to make strong throws and operate the offense. However, with both Brennan and Johnson entrenched as the top two quarterbacks on the depth chart, Nussmeier had little opportunity to fully showcase his skills.
His frustration was palpable, as many analysts and fans saw him as the future of LSU football at quarterback. But with the team struggling in 2021 and a coaching change on the horizon, Nussmeier had to continue to be patient.
The Breakout Season in 2022
The 2022 season marked a turning point for Nussmeier. As LSU head coach Brian Kelly’s first year with the program unfolded, Nussmeier found himself competing with Jayden Daniels, a transfer from Arizona State, for the starting quarterback job. Early in the season, Nussmeier’s strong arm and deep ball accuracy were on display, but Daniels’ dual-threat capabilities—combined with his leadership and experience—ultimately earned him the starting job.
Despite being relegated to backup duty, Nussmeier still made significant contributions throughout the season. He demonstrated his ability to come into games in relief and perform at a high level when needed. Perhaps his most notable performance came in LSU’s victory over Texas A&M, when Nussmeier threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Daniels. This performance sparked a renewed sense of optimism among LSU fans, who saw Nussmeier as a potential star of the future.
2023 Season: A Growing Leader
As the 2023 season rolled around, Nussmeier continued to develop his skills under the tutelage of Coach Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. Though Daniels remained the starting quarterback, Nussmeier’s development as a leader in the locker room became increasingly evident. His work ethic, competitiveness, and dedication to improving his game made him a fan favorite and a respected presence on the team.
In addition to his leadership, Nussmeier also continued to impress on the field. While he did not get the same opportunities to start as Daniels, he took full advantage of every chance he received. His performances in non-conference games against teams like Southern and New Mexico showcased his ability to lead an offense efficiently. He threw for over 200 yards in these games, showcasing his continued growth as a passer.
However, Nussmeier’s journey in 2023 wasn’t without its setbacks. In the highly anticipated game against Alabama, Nussmeier was called into action late in the fourth quarter after Daniels suffered a minor injury. While he did his best to engineer a comeback, LSU ultimately fell short against the Crimson Tide. Despite the loss, Nussmeier’s resilience and composure under pressure made him a respected figure among LSU fans and coaches.
Departure Announcement: A Surprising Twist
The announcement of Garrett Nussmeier’s departure from LSU took the college football world by surprise. Throughout his tenure at LSU, Nussmeier had been seen as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the SEC. However, the combination of multiple factors ultimately led to his decision to leave the program.
One of the primary reasons for Nussmeier’s departure was his desire for more playing time. With Jayden Daniels still in the mix as the starting quarterback for LSU and with the Tigers also securing a highly-touted 2024 quarterback recruit in Ricky Collins, Nussmeier likely realized that his path to starting quarterback was becoming increasingly difficult.
Moreover, Nussmeier’s departure is likely influenced by his desire to pursue a professional career. Given his skill set and the potential he displayed over the years, Nussmeier was being scouted by NFL teams and may have decided that his best opportunity for development was to find a fresh start with another program that would offer him the chance to start. This decision, while a difficult one, reflects the competitive nature of college football, where athletes often make moves to secure their future.
Nussmeier’s departure also highlights the pressure and expectations that come with being a high-profile recruit at a major program like LSU. The competition for the starting quarterback job in Baton Rouge has been fierce, and Nussmeier’s decision to leave reflects the realities of college football, where players are constantly evaluating their options to make the best decisions for their careers.
What Nussmeier’s Departure Means for LSU
Garrett Nussmeier’s departure leaves LSU in an interesting position moving forward. With Jayden Daniels returning for his senior season, LSU will likely rely on him to lead the offense in 2024. Daniels, who has been one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC, brings both experience and talent to the table. However, the loss of Nussmeier means LSU will now have one less option in the quarterback room.
This departure is especially significant given that Nussmeier was viewed as a potential future star for LSU. While the Tigers still have talented recruits on the horizon, the sudden exit of Nussmeier leaves a gap in their depth at the position. LSU will need to quickly adapt and find ways to develop their next quarterback of the future.
The decision also casts a spotlight on LSU’s recruiting efforts moving forward. With Nussmeier’s departure, the Tigers may focus even more heavily on securing top-tier quarterback recruits in the coming classes. LSU will need to remain competitive on the national stage to ensure they continue to have a deep and talented quarterback room.
Legacy and Impact
Garrett Nussmeier’s time at LSU will be remembered for what he could have been. Though he did not have the chance to fully realize his potential in Baton Rouge, his skill set, leadership, and growth over the years earned him the respect of coaches and fans alike. His decision to leave LSU may be the end of one chapter in his career, but it is likely the beginning of another as he looks to continue his journey in college football, whether at another program or in the professional ranks.
While LSU fans will undoubtedly feel a sense of loss, Nussmeier’s departure also serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of college football. Players come and go, but the program must continue to evolve and build for the future. LSU will look to continue its tradition of excellence in the SEC, and the Tigers will undoubtedly seek new quarterbacks who can continue the legacy of greatness established by Nussmeier and other LSU signal-callers over the years.
In conclusion, Garrett Nussmeier’s departure from LSU is a moment of change for the Tigers. While his time in Baton Rouge was marked by growth, potential, and promise, it ultimately ended with a decision that will shape both his career and LSU’s future. The program now faces a new chapter, one that will require adaptation, but with the continued leadership of Coach Brian Kelly, LSU remains well-positioned to remain one of the premier programs in college football.
