Where LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier's 2024 QBR ranks among returning SEC quarterbacks
It's expected to be a strong year for quarterbacks in the SEC and Nussmeier is one of several returners with real experience. He stands out in one key statistic. Nussmeier's quarterback rating (QBR) from 2024 is the highest of any returning quarterback in the conference.
Nussmeier's 2024 QBR of 79.0 finished fourth among SEC quarterbacks. He finished behind a top three of Ole Miss' Jaxon Dart (84.7), Alabama's Jalen Milroe (82.8) and Georgia's Carson Beck (80.9). Dart, Milroe, and Beck have all moved on. Dart and Milroe are in the NFL, and Beck is at Miami. That leaves Nussmeier as the top returner.
The statistic encompasses a wide range of factors, including rushing yards, fumbles, downs, and distance, to measure a quarterback's success. Nussmeier led a strong offensive unit with top targets Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor, but fell behind on the list due to his lack of rushing prowess.
QBR is a fairly predictive stat and Nussmeier's ranking could spell big things for 2025.
Ahead of his fifth season at LSU, Nussmeier is touted as one of the best passers in the country. Per BetMGM, he has the second-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy at +900, trailing only Texas quarterback Arch Manning (+600).
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