Everything Brian Kelly said about Garrett Nussmeier on the Paul Finebaum show

USA Today

4 days ago

Everything Brian Kelly said about Garrett Nussmeier on the Paul Finebaum show
In an appearance on Paul Finebaum's show, LSU football head coach Brian Kelly shared his thoughts about quarterback Garrett Nussmeier ahead of the 2025 season.
Nussmeier, who continues preparations for his second year as a starter, demonstrated "maturation" and meshed well with new teammates during the offseason, according to Kelly.
"He had a great spring," Kelly said. "He got a chance to really bend with the new receivers that we have and the weapons we've added. I just think he's going to have a great year going into year two."
Wide receivers Barrion Brown and Nic Anderson transferred to LSU with Power Four experience. Paired with veteran returners in Aaron Anderson and Chris Hilton, the Tigers' pass catching lineup makes competition better and Nussmeier's job easier.
"I think the weapons around him obviously make a big difference," Kelly said.
Despite experiencing the typical growing pains in playing a tough SEC schedule, Nussmeier ended the season on a high note with three straight wins and put himself within reach of the program's all-time passing yards record.
"Being a first-time starter is so difficult," Kelly said. "His ability to overcome some of the setbacks he had in our last three games, where he played at a high level, that's going to continue."
"I think we all know about his background," Kelly said, "He's the coach's son. He's somebody that's been around the game. So, I think when you look at quarterbacks, you want to see that kind of football IQ. He's a learner of the game. He's always looking to be curious about something new. Then he's got arm talent and anticipation. He can make those tight window throws that NFL coaches really, really like."
If Nussmeier puts it all together, the ceiling is high. The veteran QB has a chance to contend for the Heisman and be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Nussmeier wouldn't be the first LSU quarterback to have a monster fifth year. Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels both led historic LSU offenses as fifth-year passers.