LSU Football Team Member Brian Kelly Explains Why Garrett Nussmeier Is Ready

LSU will see plenty of changes heading into the 2024 season, but arguably the biggest one is at quarterback.

2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels has left the field. After waiting three years as a backup, Garrett Nussmeier will finally get his chance to start.

While hopes are high for Nussmeier, who has impressed in extended stretches of action, his experience is limited with just one career start. However, he has taken a different approach this offseason, which coach Brian Kelly compared to buying a car instead of renting one during SEC Media Days on Monday.

“When you’re the No. 2, it’s kind of like a rental car,” Kelly said. “You don’t worry about whether you wreck it or if you get a dent here… You’re not as careful, I guess. But when you own the car, you feel a sense of pride, you’re very thoughtful in everything you do, and you can see that transformation with Garrett.”

“He waited for this opportunity to drive this car, and no one is going to take away that opportunity. No player is going to take away that opportunity to succeed. He’s not afraid to criticize someone if they don’t do it right… He waited for that opportunity… I use that analogy only in the sense that it’s such a big deal to him that he dedicated himself to being the quarterback at LSU. It means a lot to him.”

Nussmeier has started just one game in his career, last season in a win over Wisconsin. It was a tantalizing performance, though, as he threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns while leading a game-winning drive.

He’s developed a bit of a reputation as a gunslinger, and while those tendencies persist, Kelly said he’s done a better job of playing by his own rules this offseason.

“More than anything, I think it gave him a sense that he can be Garrett Nussmeier, but he can be a Garrett Nussmeier that doesn’t put our football team in a negative situation,” Kelly said. “He’s got weapons, he’s got the ability to lead this football team without having to be cavalier or careless. And I think that’s what he’s learned.”

With Nussmeier and a receiving corps that lost its top two options from last season, there are certainly questions about the offense. But the staff is confident in what it has with Nussmeier, who has now spent three offseasons in the system.

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