As the Tigers’ spring practice progresses, head coach Brian Kelly of LSU football has shared what he hopes to see from Garrett Nussmeier.

Brian Kelly’s Expectations for Garrett Nussmeier as LSU Football’s Spring Practice Progresses

As the LSU Tigers approach another pivotal season under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, spring practice represents a crucial time to assess and refine the team’s roster. With an eye toward the 2025 season, all eyes are on the quarterback position—particularly Garrett Nussmeier, who is vying for the starting role after a promising, yet inconsistent, start to his college career. The development of Nussmeier during spring practice will be pivotal for the success of LSU football this season, and Coach Kelly is closely monitoring his progress.

In a program with championship aspirations, the quarterback is the cornerstone of the offense, and Nussmeier has the potential to lead LSU to great heights. Brian Kelly has consistently emphasized the importance of leadership, consistency, and the ability to make game-changing decisions at the quarterback position. As the Tigers progress through spring practice, Kelly has provided insight into what he hopes to see from Nussmeier, who will have to navigate fierce competition to secure the starting job. From leadership qualities to improving technical skills, Kelly’s expectations are high for the talented sophomore.

This article will explore the factors driving Brian Kelly’s expectations for Garrett Nussmeier, his development as a quarterback, the keys to his success, and what Kelly is hoping to see from Nussmeier as spring practice progresses.

Garrett Nussmeier: A Rising Star with Room to Grow

Garrett Nussmeier entered LSU as a highly touted recruit with a reputation for his arm strength, poise under pressure, and natural playmaking ability. As a high school star in Texas, Nussmeier showcased the tools needed to succeed at the college level, and his pedigree made him one of the most highly anticipated quarterback prospects in the country. Upon his arrival in Baton Rouge, Nussmeier was thrust into the competition for playing time immediately, and it didn’t take long for him to demonstrate his skill set in LSU’s offense.

Despite a roller-coaster start to his career, Nussmeier showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman and sophomore seasons. His strong arm and ability to make deep throws downfield set him apart, and he demonstrated a confidence that many young quarterbacks struggle to develop. However, like most young quarterbacks, Nussmeier’s development has not been without growing pains. Inconsistent decision-making and some mechanical issues have hindered his ability to take full control of the offense and win the starting job.

As spring practice rolls on, Nussmeier has another opportunity to improve and show that he has what it takes to lead the Tigers in 2025. Brian Kelly has a clear vision for what he wants to see from Nussmeier, both in terms of his physical skills and his growth as a leader on and off the field.

Brian Kelly’s Expectations: What Does Nussmeier Need to Show?

Brian Kelly is known for his emphasis on discipline, fundamentals, and leadership, all qualities that are essential for a quarterback to thrive in LSU’s fast-paced, high-stakes environment. As spring practice progresses, Kelly has outlined several key areas of focus for Nussmeier in order to take the next step in his development and emerge as the starting quarterback for LSU.

1. Improved Decision-Making

One of the primary areas of focus for Nussmeier during spring practice is his decision-making. Throughout his early career, Nussmeier has shown the tendency to take some risks with the ball, sometimes leading to turnovers or missed opportunities. While this aggressive style of play can sometimes lead to big plays, it can also put the team in difficult situations, especially against SEC-level competition.

Brian Kelly has emphasized the importance of being more patient and methodical in his decision-making. “Garrett has all the talent in the world, but the key for him is knowing when to take risks and when to play it safe,” Kelly said. “It’s about finding that balance. He needs to take care of the football, put us in good situations, and trust that the offense can get down the field in a controlled manner. If we can improve his decision-making and his ability to read defenses, that will be a huge step forward.”

For Nussmeier, this means improving his ability to process the information that defenses present. College football defenses are complex, and elite quarterbacks need to be able to read coverages quickly and make quick decisions. Whether it’s choosing the right receiver, checking down to a running back, or deciding to take off and run, Nussmeier will need to show a heightened awareness of what the defense is doing and act decisively. Kelly will want to see Nussmeier demonstrate this mental growth throughout spring practice.

2. Consistency in Mechanics

Another major area where Nussmeier must improve is his consistency with his mechanics. Like many young quarterbacks, Nussmeier has shown some inconsistency with his throwing mechanics, particularly with his footwork and his follow-through on passes. These inconsistencies can lead to inaccurate throws, particularly when the pressure is on. Brian Kelly has made it clear that Nussmeier’s mechanics need to be more refined if he is going to be successful at the highest level.

“Garrett has the physical tools that you can’t teach—arm strength, mobility, and the ability to make all the throws,” Kelly said. “But his mechanics have to be consistent. When he’s on, he’s great. But when his mechanics break down, it’s a problem. Our coaching staff is working with him daily to ensure his footwork and release are fluid, and that’s going to make a huge difference in his accuracy and ability to perform under pressure.”

For Nussmeier, focusing on the technical aspects of his game, such as his footwork in the pocket, his throwing motion, and his balance, will be key in developing consistency. By refining these fundamentals, Nussmeier can unlock his full potential and increase his accuracy on both short and long-range throws. Kelly has made it clear that while Nussmeier has the raw talent, it’s his mechanics that will make the difference in whether he is successful or not.

3. Leadership and Poise

Beyond his physical attributes, one of the most important qualities Brian Kelly is looking for in Nussmeier is leadership. LSU football is a program with high expectations, and as the quarterback, Nussmeier will be expected to lead both on and off the field. Kelly has stressed the importance of Nussmeier developing leadership qualities, such as commanding the huddle, rallying his teammates, and staying calm under pressure.

“We need our quarterback to be a leader,” Kelly said. “Garrett has the ability to do that, but it’s something that you have to grow into. As a young player, it’s natural to feel pressure, but we need Garrett to be someone who his teammates can rely on, whether things are going well or not. The best quarterbacks are the ones who don’t panic in tough situations and who are able to elevate the play of those around them.”

Nussmeier has already shown glimpses of leadership on the field, but spring practice will be a crucial time for him to take on a more vocal role. Whether it’s helping his receivers run better routes, making adjustments at the line of scrimmage, or maintaining composure when things get chaotic, Nussmeier will need to develop a sense of poise that allows him to lead his team effectively. Kelly has placed an emphasis on Nussmeier’s ability to gain the trust of his teammates and establish himself as a true leader in the locker room.

4. Mastering the LSU Offense

The LSU offense under Brian Kelly is one that emphasizes versatility, balance, and efficiency. For Nussmeier to thrive in this system, he must master the offensive playbook and be able to make quick decisions based on what the defense is showing him. Kelly has made it clear that Nussmeier must become a more refined and complete quarterback, able to process information quickly and make plays based on his reads.

“We’ve given Garrett the tools to succeed,” Kelly said. “Now, it’s about executing. The system we’ve built here is designed to be dynamic and unpredictable, and we need a quarterback who understands it inside and out. Whether it’s making quick throws or orchestrating a drive with tempo, we need Garrett to be in complete control of the offense.”

For Nussmeier, this means taking a step forward in terms of his understanding of the playbook and his ability to manage the game. Kelly has pointed out that the quarterback position is about more than just making good throws—it’s about reading the defense, understanding what plays will work in different situations, and knowing when to improvise. Spring practice will be key for Nussmeier to show that he can manage the offense with precision and poise.

The Competition

While Nussmeier is the favorite to take over the starting quarterback role in 2025, he is not without competition. LSU has multiple quarterbacks vying for the starting job, including highly touted incoming freshmen and experienced backup quarterbacks. The competition is expected to push Nussmeier to be at his best, as he will need to perform consistently throughout spring practice to secure his spot under center. Kelly has made it clear that while Nussmeier is the frontrunner, nothing is guaranteed.

“This is an open competition,” Kelly said. “We want to see everyone earn their spot. Garrett has a lot of potential, but he has to continue improving in all areas. There’s no room for complacency, and we’re going to evaluate every quarterback closely throughout the spring.”

The presence of competition will only benefit Nussmeier, pushing him to elevate his game and showcase his skills in a way that will earn him the starting role. The pressure will be on, but it will also serve as an opportunity for Nussmeier to grow as both a player and a leader.