What He Said: LSU Football’s Staff Praising Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s Growth.

In college football, the quarterback position is often the most scrutinized, and when it comes to the LSU Tigers, the spotlight is no exception. As the team gears up for the 2025 season, much attention has been placed on LSU’s quarterbacks, especially after the departure of former starting quarterback Jayden Daniels. One player who has garnered an abundance of praise from LSU’s coaching staff is Garrett Nussmeier, a quarterback who has undergone significant growth since his arrival at LSU. While he may have initially been viewed as an understudy behind Daniels, Nussmeier has quickly emerged as a leader with immense potential.

LSU’s coaching staff has consistently spoken highly of Nussmeier’s development, both as a player and as a leader. The praise comes not just from his performance in practice but from his work ethic, understanding of the game, and maturity as a signal-caller. For a program with championship aspirations, Nussmeier’s evolution is a pivotal storyline heading into the 2025 season.

In this article, we’ll dive into the specific aspects of Garrett Nussmeier’s growth as a quarterback, the praise he’s received from LSU’s coaching staff, and what this means for his future in Baton Rouge. We’ll also explore how his development could impact LSU’s offensive strategy moving forward and what to expect from Nussmeier in the upcoming season.

Nussmeier’s Arrival at LSU: The Early Years

Garrett Nussmeier came to LSU with high expectations. A highly regarded recruit out of Flower Mound, Texas, Nussmeier was a four-star prospect who showed promise as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country. His high school career was stellar, and his combination of arm strength, accuracy, and poise under pressure made him a perfect fit for LSU’s offensive system.

However, Nussmeier’s early years at LSU were not without challenges. Like many young quarterbacks, he faced the difficult task of adjusting to the college game while competing for a starting spot in a program that had a long history of success at the quarterback position. When he arrived at LSU, the Tigers had a seasoned starter in Jayden Daniels, who was entering his senior year and coming off a successful 2024 campaign. This meant that Nussmeier would be spending most of his early years as a backup, learning from the sidelines while soaking in the lessons of a veteran leader.

Despite not getting much playing time during his first few seasons, Nussmeier’s progression was clear. The LSU coaching staff continually spoke about his potential and his work ethic behind the scenes. Even as a backup, Nussmeier was making strides in practice, refining his footwork, reading defenses, and mastering the mental side of the game. He demonstrated a willingness to learn, a quality that would eventually set him up for success once the opportunity came for him to take the reins.

The Transition: Nussmeier’s Opportunity to Shine

The departure of Jayden Daniels to the NFL opened the door for Garrett Nussmeier to become LSU’s starting quarterback. This transition is always one of the most critical moments for a program, as it’s rare for a team to find a quarterback who can step in and immediately fill the shoes of a former leader. For LSU, this transition was made easier by the fact that Nussmeier had already been groomed for this role.

Head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock have made it clear that Nussmeier was more than ready to take on the challenge. In fact, throughout the spring practices and early training camps of 2025, Nussmeier showed considerable growth in both his technical skills and his leadership ability. According to Kelly and Denbrock, Nussmeier’s development went beyond simply improving his physical abilities on the field—he had become a more vocal and confident presence in the locker room, something the team needed at that position.

Kelly, in particular, has been effusive in his praise of Nussmeier’s maturity. In interviews leading up to the 2025 season, he noted that Nussmeier had not only developed into a better quarterback from a technical standpoint but had also become more comfortable with his role as a leader. “He’s grown tremendously,” Kelly remarked. “His understanding of the offense has improved, and his leadership qualities have really shone through. He’s no longer just a backup trying to figure things out—he’s the guy now.”

For Nussmeier, this newfound leadership role has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his growth. Having been mentored by former LSU quarterbacks, including Daniels, Nussmeier had a solid understanding of what it took to lead a team. But stepping into the starting quarterback role allowed him to develop his own leadership style. “I’m doing things I never thought I’d be doing in practice—leading huddles, making quick decisions, calling out audibles,” Nussmeier said. “It’s a different world, but I feel like I’m ready for it.”

The Growth of Garrett Nussmeier: Breaking Down His Development

1. Technical Improvement: Mechanics and Footwork

A significant part of Nussmeier’s development has been his improvement in the technical aspects of his game. Coaches have praised his commitment to improving his mechanics, particularly his footwork. As a young quarterback, Nussmeier occasionally struggled with his consistency in the pocket. He would sometimes hold the ball too long or fail to set his feet properly when making throws. These are common issues for younger quarterbacks, but they can be the difference between a great throw and an interception.

Through hours of individual coaching and film study, Nussmeier has worked hard to correct these problems. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock noted that Nussmeier’s footwork had become much more fluid, and his throwing mechanics had become much more consistent. “When he’s stepping into his throws and trusting his mechanics, he’s on point,” Denbrock said. “He’s not relying on just his arm strength—he’s learning how to use his entire body to make precise throws.”

Nussmeier himself is well aware of how far he has come in this regard. “In my first year, I would get a little lazy with my mechanics. But now, it’s second nature for me to focus on my feet, my hand placement, and the timing of my release. That’s helped me become much more accurate and much more comfortable with the football in my hands.”

2. Reading Defenses and Mental Growth

Another critical area where Nussmeier has improved is in his ability to read defenses. Initially, like many young quarterbacks, Nussmeier would sometimes lock onto a single receiver or fail to recognize subtle defensive shifts. This would lead to misreads and turnovers. However, the coaching staff has emphasized the importance of recognizing defensive fronts, understanding coverage schemes, and reading safeties and linebackers. Nussmeier has worked tirelessly on these aspects, becoming much more effective at surveying the field and making quick, smart decisions.

Head coach Brian Kelly explained, “Nussmeier’s growth in reading defenses has been evident. He’s able to read pre-snap and post-snap coverage more effectively now. He doesn’t panic, and he can go through his progressions faster, which allows him to make quicker decisions.” This ability to go through progressions and make the correct reads will be essential as Nussmeier steps into the starting role and faces more complex defenses.

3. Leadership and Poise Under Pressure

One of the most significant areas of growth for Nussmeier has been his development as a leader. He has gone from being a quiet backup to taking control of the offense and setting the tone for the team. According to wide receivers coach Jamar Cain, Nussmeier’s leadership has been crucial in developing a cohesive unit on offense. “Garrett has really taken ownership of the offense,” Cain said. “His presence in the huddle has made a huge difference. He’s vocal, he’s composed, and the guys really trust him.”

Nussmeier’s poise under pressure has also been highlighted by coaches. LSU’s offensive line and wide receivers have noted how calm and collected Nussmeier is, even in the face of adversity. His ability to remain unfazed by pressure is something that sets him apart from many young quarterbacks, and it will undoubtedly serve him well as the season progresses.

What to Expect from Nussmeier in 2025

With the combination of his technical improvements, mental growth, and leadership development, Garrett Nussmeier is poised for a breakout season in 2025. LSU fans can expect a quarterback who is more than capable of leading the offense, making critical throws, and reading defenses at a high level. He will be surrounded by an array of talented weapons, including a strong receiving corps, which will allow him to showcase his arm strength and ability to make explosive plays.

One of the most exciting aspects of Nussmeier’s development is his potential for growth. While he has made tremendous strides, there’s still room for improvement, and he will continue to learn from his mistakes and refine his skills. As the leader of LSU’s offense, Nussmeier’s growth over the next few seasons could define the future of LSU football.