2026 QB Spotlight: Garrett Nussmeier

Kevin looks at a potential 2026 QB1 Garrett Nussmeier

Garrett Nussmeier finally got his shot in 2024, and for stretches, he made it count. In his first full season as LSU’s starting quarterback, the redshirt junior showcased his live arm and big-play ability, guiding the Tigers to ranked wins over Ole Miss and South Carolina. When he was in rhythm, the traits that made him a longtime favorite in devy circles were on full display—tight-window throws, layered passes, and the confidence to attack all three levels of the field.

But like most first-year starters, the season came with growing pains. LSU’s offense stalled at times in the second half of games, and a three-game losing streak in late October exposed some decision-making flaws. Nussmeier’s play dipped in losses to Texas A&M, Alabama, and Florida, where turnovers and drive-killing mistakes became a recurring theme.

With those setbacks, Nussmeier elected to return to Baton Rouge for his fifth year, putting off the NFL Draft to refine his game and finish what he started. He ended 2024 with 4,052 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, a 64.2% completion rate, and an 80.0 QBR plus three scores on the ground. Statistically, he was one of just six FBS quarterbacks to surpass 4,000 passing yards, a testament to his volume and upside.

Now entering 2025, Nussmeier is back under Brian Kelly’s guidance with a full offseason to take that next step. And that begins with scheme continuity and coaching, two things that could make or break his final draft push.

Come check out all our 2026 QB Spotlights below!

Coaching and Scheme

After a year of transition, LSU heads into 2025 with something that has been rare during the Brian Kelly era: continuity. Following the departures of Jayden Daniels and Mike Denbrock after the historic 2023 campaign, the Tigers’ offense was due for a reset. What matters most for Nussmeier’s development in 2025 is that the staff around him stays intact. Joe Sloan, who played a crucial role in developing Daniels into a Heisman winner, enters his second year as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator. His familiarity with Nussmeier and the system gives LSU a real chance to hit the ground running this fall. Cortez Hankton returns as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, fresh off producing two first-round picks in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. His ability to reload the receiver room through recruiting and the portal will be essential. LSU also brought in Alex Atkins, one of the best run-game minds in the country, to coordinate the ground attack and coach tight ends. That’s a big upgrade after some inconsistency up front and a lack of identity on the ground last season.

The overall offensive structure won’t shift dramatically, but having consistency in play calling, player development, and scheme design gives Nussmeier the best possible runway for a true breakout.

And that brings us to the 2025 offensive outlook which is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing units in the SEC. Let’s take a closer look at the weapons returning, wide receiver depth, and how the Tigers have reloaded for Nussmeier’s final ride.

2025 Offensive Outlook

The 2025 LSU offense enters the season with expectations to take a big step forward after an uneven showing in 2024. There’s no denying the talent is there—the coaching staff has stability, the quarterback is back, and the weapons are dangerous. But it all starts up front.

Offensive Line Outlook

LSU’s offensive line faced a lot of uncertainty heading into spring, especially with two key transfers arriving in Josh Thompson and Braelin Moore. The talent in the room is undeniable, but figuring out who plays where was the spring’s biggest puzzle.

Tyree Adams looks like he’s locked down the left tackle spot after flashing potential late last year, including a start in the Texas Bowl. He’s still developing, but the raw ability is there. At center, the battle is between Moore who brings experience from Virginia Tech and DJ Chester, last season’s starter. While Moore is the likely long-term answer, Chester got plenty of reps at both center and guard, suggesting he’ll find a role regardless.

Perhaps the biggest spring risers were Weston Davis and Coen Echols, two blue-chip recruits from the 2024 class. Davis got serious run with the first team at right tackle, while Echols looked poised to claim a guard spot. But both will have to fend off Thompson, one of the top transfer gets of the offseason, whose versatility makes him a plug-and-play option at multiple spots. This group still has some sorting out to do, but LSU has the pieces to form a strong SEC-caliber unit by fall.

Wide Receiver Room: Elite Speed and Depth

LSU’s receiver room may be the most complete group we’ve seen in Baton Rouge since the legendary 2019 unit led by Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. With four of their top five receivers from last season gone, Brian Kelly and Cortez Hankton hit the portal hard and they nailed it.

The Tigers return Aaron Anderson, who led the team in receiving and brings elite quickness and versatility. Alongside him is Kentucky transfer Barion Brown, one of the fastest players in the country, and veteran deep-threat Chris Hilton Jr., whose late-season emergence in 2024 gave LSU a much-needed vertical presence. Add in Nic Anderson, a big-play machine from Oklahoma who averaged over 20 yards per catch in 2023, and you’re looking at one of the most dangerous receiver corps in the SEC if not the nation.

The wild card? Anderson’s health. He practiced this spring but wasn’t at full speed. Still, if he returns to form, he’s a legitimate WR1 in this offense. LSU also added Destyn Hill and continues to develop young playmakers like Zavion Thomas and Ta’Ron Francis, who both flashed throughout spring ball. There’s real excitement here.

Recommitting to the Run Game

One area that must improve in 2025 is the run game. LSU averaged just 4.1 yards per carry last season ranking 82nd nationally and lacked the physical edge they had with Jayden Daniels under center. Head coach Brian Kelly made it clear: that can’t happen again.

With Alex Atkins now in place as run game coordinator and tight ends coach, there’s a renewed focus on physicality and creativity in the ground attack. Atkins brings a proven track record from Florida State where he built elite rushing units using misdirection and gap schemes. LSU is already looking more diverse and intentional in the run game, even experimenting with dynamic athlete Ju’Juan Johnson in special packages to add another layer.

Tight end Bauer Sharp had a strong spring, and Trey’Dez Green showed signs of growth as a second-year breakout candidate. Both should play key roles in the run-pass balance moving forward. This offense could also utilize more play action which could be a positive step forward in Nussmeier’s development.

Projected 2025 Depth Chart (Offense)

• QB1: Garrett Nussmeier

• RB1: Caden Durham

• WR1: Aaron Anderson

• WR2: Barion Brown

• WR3: Nic Anderson

• WR4: Chris Hilston Jr.

• TE1: Trey’Dez Green

Scouting Report

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