LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly’s latest addition set to make return as his backup QB problem resurfaces amidst Garret Nussmeier’s woes.

LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly’s Latest Addition: The Return of a Backup Quarterback Amidst Garrett Nussmeier’s Woes

LSU football, under head coach Brian Kelly, has experienced a transformative shift since he took over the program. The former Notre Dame head coach has instilled a disciplined, competitive, and strategic approach, bringing the Tigers back into championship contention. Despite the notable success and the team’s promising future, one area has consistently remained a question mark for LSU — the quarterback position. As LSU heads into a new season, Brian Kelly’s latest move to address the backup quarterback situation has been a focal point of discussion, especially in light of Garret Nussmeier’s struggles and the potential impact on the Tigers’ offense.

Garret Nussmeier, who was expected to be LSU’s starting quarterback heading into the season, has struggled with consistency, leading to questions about his ability to lead the Tigers’ offense through the challenging SEC gauntlet. The inconsistency in Nussmeier’s performances has brought to light LSU’s vulnerability at the quarterback position, raising the stakes for backup options. To remedy this, Kelly has made a strategic addition to his roster — a player who could offer more stability and an experienced presence should Nussmeier’s performance continue to fluctuate.

This article explores the background of LSU’s quarterback situation, the challenges facing Garret Nussmeier, the significance of the new backup addition, and what it could mean for LSU’s 2025 season and their aspirations for success in the competitive SEC.

The Evolution of LSU’s Quarterback Situation

LSU football has a rich history of producing elite quarterbacks. From stars like Joe Burrow, who led the Tigers to a national championship, to names like JaMarcus Russell and Zach Mettenberger, LSU has long been known for its ability to develop NFL-caliber quarterbacks. However, since Burrow’s departure after the 2019 national title season, the Tigers have struggled to find consistent play at the quarterback position.

In 2024, Garrett Nussmeier was seen as the heir apparent to the LSU quarterback throne. After spending time as a backup to Max Johnson and Myles Brennan, Nussmeier was primed to take over as the starting quarterback, having shown flashes of potential in his limited appearances. His arm strength, athleticism, and playmaking ability made him an intriguing option for LSU’s offense, which, under offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, aimed to balance explosive plays with a controlled, efficient passing game.

However, Nussmeier’s road to consistency has been bumpy. Throughout the 2024 season, he displayed moments of brilliance, especially with his deep-ball accuracy and ability to extend plays with his legs. Yet, he also showed troubling inconsistencies, particularly with decision-making and ball security. There were games where Nussmeier threw multiple interceptions, failing to establish a rhythm within the offense. His struggles were often exacerbated by the pressure of leading a high-profile program like LSU, where expectations are incredibly high.

Despite these growing pains, head coach Brian Kelly stuck with Nussmeier, believing in his raw talent and upside. However, as LSU heads into the 2025 season, with high hopes of contending for an SEC championship and returning to College Football Playoff contention, Nussmeier’s inability to establish himself as a reliable signal-caller has raised serious concerns. With the Tigers’ championship aspirations on the line, LSU needed to bring in someone who could serve as a reliable backup, offering stability and experience behind Nussmeier.

Garret Nussmeier’s Woes: The Struggles and Inconsistencies

As the Tigers prepared for the 2025 season, Garret Nussmeier’s role as the starting quarterback was questioned repeatedly. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his continued inconsistency during key moments of games made it clear that his development was still a work in progress. Nussmeier’s struggles largely stemmed from a few recurring issues: his tendency to hold onto the ball too long, a lack of pocket awareness, and some questionable decisions when trying to force throws into tight windows.

Despite these issues, Nussmeier remained a key figure in LSU’s offense due to his ability to create big plays. However, when LSU faced tougher competition, particularly in SEC play, these mistakes became more costly. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss exposed Nussmeier’s weaknesses, often pressuring him into turnovers or disrupting his rhythm with aggressive defensive schemes. These losses highlighted that LSU’s offense could not afford to have a quarterback who was still prone to making mistakes at such a critical position.

One of the most troubling issues with Nussmeier’s play was his inability to perform in high-pressure situations. Throughout the 2024 season, Nussmeier often failed to elevate his game when LSU was on the brink of a big win or needed a game-winning drive. This inconsistency, combined with the high stakes of SEC play, left LSU fans wondering whether Nussmeier could be trusted to lead the Tigers on a consistent basis.

Given these issues, Brian Kelly and his coaching staff knew that they needed to find someone capable of stepping in should Nussmeier continue to falter. This need led to the decision to add a new backup quarterback — someone who could provide both stability and experience while also serving as a viable option if Nussmeier’s struggles persisted.

Brian Kelly’s Strategic Move: The New Backup Quarterback Addition

Understanding that LSU’s success in 2025 hinged largely on the quarterback position, Brian Kelly made a critical decision to add a transfer quarterback to provide a solid backup option. Kelly’s move to recruit an experienced player reflects the growing pressure surrounding the quarterback position and his commitment to making LSU a perennial contender.

The transfer in question is a highly regarded quarterback who brings not only valuable experience but also a skill set that complements LSU’s offensive system. This new addition, while not expected to displace Nussmeier as the starter immediately, provides a level of depth and competition that will only benefit the Tigers in the long run.

The incoming quarterback is known for his poise in the pocket, leadership qualities, and ability to manage games effectively. His experience playing at a high level in a competitive conference allows him to step in if Nussmeier falters or if an injury occurs. LSU’s previous backup quarterbacks had not shown the same level of experience or consistency, which left the team vulnerable in critical moments.

With the addition of this new quarterback, LSU now has a safety net, something the team has sorely lacked in recent years. The arrival of a reliable backup could provide Brian Kelly with more flexibility in handling game situations, giving him the option to pull Nussmeier when necessary and allowing the backup to come in and steady the ship.

This move also serves as a signal to Nussmeier: his role as the starter is not guaranteed, and he must prove himself as a leader and consistent performer on the field. The new backup will push Nussmeier to improve his decision-making and consistency, knowing that if he doesn’t take significant strides, he could be replaced. Competition for starting positions is a hallmark of a successful program, and Kelly’s approach to ensuring that the quarterback battle remains open will only motivate the team as a whole to perform at its highest level.

The Impact on LSU’s Offense and Season Outlook

The addition of a new backup quarterback is crucial for LSU’s 2025 season. As the Tigers gear up for another grueling SEC schedule, having a reliable backup quarterback can make all the difference in a season that is likely to be filled with intense, high-pressure games. Whether LSU is competing for an SEC title, a New Year’s Six bowl, or even the College Football Playoff, their quarterback situation is going to play a central role in determining their success.

Nussmeier, despite his inconsistencies, has immense upside. His arm strength and ability to make deep throws make him a potential game-changer for LSU, and his continued development in Kelly’s system is crucial for LSU’s offensive success. However, without the right backup quarterback, LSU could find themselves in a vulnerable position should Nussmeier’s issues persist.

The new backup quarterback brings a sense of stability to LSU’s quarterback room. His presence allows Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock to explore different options and make necessary adjustments when needed. Whether it’s providing a change of pace or offering a more conservative approach when Nussmeier is struggling, the backup quarterback will be an important piece of the puzzle as LSU looks to navigate a challenging season.

Additionally, this move will also help in LSU’s overall offensive development. Having two capable quarterbacks competing for the job will lead to better practice sessions, more efficient offensive schemes, and greater depth at the position. The backup quarterback’s arrival could potentially also bring a fresh perspective to the offense, forcing Nussmeier to adjust and improve his own game.

What’s Next for LSU’s Quarterback Competition?

As spring practices and training camps unfold, LSU’s quarterback competition will continue to be one of the most closely watched storylines. With the addition of the new backup quarterback, it’s clear that Brian Kelly is committed to making sure LSU’s offense has every possible advantage as they aim for an SEC title and beyond.

Nussmeier must prove that he can be consistent and reliable if LSU is to contend with some of the best teams in college football. At the same time, the new backup quarterback will have the opportunity to show his worth, knowing that the starting job is up for grabs if Nussmeier falters.

One thing is certain: the quarterback position at LSU is now a much more competitive and dynamic situation. Brian Kelly’s move to add depth and experience to the quarterback room reflects his commitment to building a winning program, and it’s clear that the Tigers are poised to put themselves in the best position to succeed in 2025.