What odds does Garrett Nussmeier of LSU have to win the Heisman?

As we look ahead to the 2025 college football season, one name that continues to garner attention in Heisman Trophy conversations is Garrett Nussmeier, the talented quarterback for LSU. With the Tigers aiming to compete for a national championship, Nussmeier’s Heisman potential is a subject of growing discussion among LSU fans, college football analysts, and oddsmakers alike. As the 2025 season looms large, fans are eager to understand Nussmeier’s odds of winning college football’s most prestigious individual award.

The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the best player in college football, and winning the Heisman is one of the highest honors a player can achieve. To understand Nussmeier’s odds of winning, it’s essential to look at several factors that will influence his chances, including his skill set, his performance during the season, LSU’s success as a team, and the level of competition he’ll face in a crowded field of Heisman contenders.

This piece will break down these factors in depth, explore how Nussmeier’s 2025 season could unfold, and ultimately answer the question: what are Garrett Nussmeier’s odds of winning the Heisman?

1. Garrett Nussmeier’s Skill Set and Potential

To begin any discussion of Nussmeier’s Heisman chances, it’s critical to assess the skill set he brings to the table. Nussmeier, a former highly ranked recruit, has always been viewed as a talented quarterback with tremendous upside. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and ability to make all the throws gives him the tools to compete with some of the best quarterbacks in the country. Over his time at LSU, Nussmeier has shown flashes of brilliance, showcasing his strong arm and ability to lead the offense in high-pressure situations.

Nussmeier’s athleticism is a key component of his game. While not necessarily known for being a true dual-threat quarterback, Nussmeier has the ability to extend plays with his legs and make crucial plays outside of the pocket. This adds an extra dimension to LSU’s offense and gives opposing defenses something extra to worry about when facing him. His ability to improvise and make plays on the move could be a significant asset for LSU, especially when games come down to critical moments.

At LSU, Nussmeier will be playing in a system that is designed to get the most out of his strengths. LSU’s offense is built around a balanced attack that incorporates both the passing and running games. With elite talent at wide receiver, a solid offensive line, and a strong running back committee, Nussmeier will have the opportunity to thrive in a system that allows him to utilize his full potential. If he can stay consistent throughout the season and avoid turnovers, Nussmeier could very well emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, putting him in Heisman contention.

However, talent alone won’t be enough to win the Heisman. Nussmeier will need to execute at the highest level consistently over the course of the 2025 season to earn recognition as one of the nation’s best players. The Heisman voters are looking for a combination of individual brilliance and team success, and Nussmeier will need to be at the center of LSU’s offensive success to claim the award.

2. The Impact of LSU’s Success

While a player’s individual performance is paramount in Heisman voting, a team’s success is also an important factor. Historically, Heisman winners often come from teams that are in the national title conversation or at least competing for major bowl games. If LSU is able to field a top-tier team and make a deep run into the SEC Championship and beyond, Nussmeier’s chances of winning the Heisman will increase significantly.

LSU is a program with a storied history, and the Tigers have the potential to be a College Football Playoff contender every year. In the 2025 season, with head coach Brian Kelly at the helm and a talented roster that includes top-tier skill players and a solid defense, LSU will be aiming for a spot in the playoff. Nussmeier’s Heisman odds are tied directly to LSU’s ability to compete at the highest level. If LSU is consistently in the top 10 and makes a legitimate push for the SEC title, Nussmeier’s performance will be under the spotlight.

As we saw in the 2023 season with Heisman finalists such as Caleb Williams from USC and Stetson Bennett from Georgia, quarterbacks who lead successful teams are often at the forefront of Heisman discussions. LSU’s success in the SEC and their national title aspirations will play a critical role in propelling Nussmeier into the conversation as one of the top players in the country.

3. Competition from Other Heisman Candidates

Nussmeier’s odds of winning the Heisman will also be influenced by the level of competition he faces from other top quarterbacks and players across the country. The 2025 season is expected to feature several high-profile Heisman contenders, with quarterbacks historically being the most likely winners of the award. Nussmeier will be competing against some of the best in college football, and his performance will need to stand out in a crowded field.

In particular, quarterbacks like USC’s Caleb Williams, who won the Heisman in 2023, and Ohio State’s Kyle McCord, a highly regarded signal-caller, will be in the running again. Both of these players bring elite-level skills to the table and will be surrounded by talented offenses. Additionally, quarterbacks at programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan are often in the Heisman mix, with talented players poised to challenge for the award.

Beyond quarterbacks, skill position players like running backs, wide receivers, and defensive players also make their case for the Heisman, though quarterbacks have traditionally had the upper hand. Players like Georgia’s Brock Bowers (tight end) or Texas’ Bijan Robinson (running back) could emerge as legitimate threats to Nussmeier’s Heisman bid, but they would need extraordinary seasons to displace the quarterbacks atop the rankings.

Ultimately, Nussmeier’s Heisman chances will depend on his ability to outperform other top quarterbacks in the country. He will need to have a season that not only compares to his competition but potentially surpasses them in terms of statistical performance, team success, and overall impact.

4. Key Factors Influencing Nussmeier’s Heisman Bid

Several key factors will be critical in determining whether Nussmeier can make a legitimate push for the Heisman Trophy in 2025. These include:

• Consistency: Nussmeier will need to perform at a high level every week, avoiding the type of inconsistency that can derail a Heisman campaign. Heisman voters are looking for players who can shine in big games and put up impressive statistics throughout the season. A few off games can hurt his chances, so maintaining consistency will be key.
• Statistical Performance: Heisman winners are typically players who rack up eye-popping statistics, particularly in passing yards, touchdowns, and total offense. Nussmeier’s ability to put up big numbers in LSU’s high-octane offense will be crucial in keeping him in the race. He’ll need to throw for 3,500+ yards, have a touchdown-to-interception ratio that stands out, and avoid turnovers that could hurt his Heisman chances.
• Big Game Performance: The Heisman often goes to players who excel in crucial games, particularly in high-profile matchups. If Nussmeier can shine in big games against SEC rivals like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M, he will significantly enhance his Heisman chances. Winning games in a dominant fashion and making clutch plays in tight moments will be key to standing out in the minds of voters.
• National Exposure: LSU will be playing in the SEC, one of the most visible and competitive conferences in college football. Nussmeier’s performance in nationally televised games will be scrutinized, giving him the opportunity to showcase his talents to a large audience. The Heisman is often awarded to players who have strong visibility, so playing in big-time games and performing well on the national stage will help Nussmeier’s candidacy.

5. Current Heisman Odds for Garrett Nussmeier

As of now, Garrett Nussmeier’s odds to win the Heisman are speculative, but several sportsbooks and analysts have released preliminary odds for the 2025 season. While these odds can fluctuate based on preseason hype, injury reports, and early-season performance, they provide a snapshot of how Nussmeier is viewed in comparison to other Heisman contenders.

According to early 2025 Heisman odds, Nussmeier is generally considered to be a mid-to-late tier contender, with odds ranging from +1500 to +2500. This places him behind some of the top quarterbacks and other elite players in the Heisman race but still within striking distance if LSU can live up to its potential and Nussmeier performs at a high level. The odds reflect both his talent and the high expectations surrounding LSU’s program but also acknowledge the stiff competition he will face.

To put it into perspective, Nussmeier’s odds are comparable to those of other quarterbacks in similar situations, such as players at schools with strong football programs but a slightly less established national brand. His odds are not at the top, but they are solid, reflecting both his potential and the uncertainty that comes with the college football landscape.