Heading into the 2025 college football season, there was a large contingent of analysts who expected LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to become one of the top signal callers in the country. This past offseason was filled with hype for Nussmeier, and even more as a potential first-round NFL Draft pick come April. Expectations were at an all-time high with the portal acquisitions head coach Brian Kelly and the program made before the season. 

Through five games, the hype for Nussmeier is still just that – hype. The senior signal-caller has not quite met those expectations so far, and there are several theories out in the universe as to why. Whatever the reason is, Nussmeier just hasn’t lived up to what most people said he was. There is still plenty of time left, but the optimism that Nussmeier figures it out is quite low right now. 

If you had asked anyone where Nussmeier would rank among the other Power Four signal callers entering the year, somewhere inside the top-10 is probably what most would have said. With the college season being a quarter of the way over, ESPN writer Bill Connelly sat down and ranked all the Power Four signal callers accordingly. 

While using some key metrics, as well as the eye test, Nussmeier was a lot further down the list than anyone would have guessed. Connelly ranked Nussmeier at No. 37 overall. Here is what he said about the 6-1, 205-pound pocket passer. 

37. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Total QBR: 76.4 | Pass Yds: 1,159 | Rush Yds: 50 | Total TDs: 8

The preseason Heisman contender dealt with a torso injury before the season, and sure looks like he’s still dealing with it, but he has to throw all the time because LSU’s run game stinks. So he’s throwing quick passes (115th in air yards per attempt) but not completing a huge percentage (43rd in completion rate), and the ones he’s completing aren’t going anywhere (112th in yards per completion). LSU’s defense is finally excellent, but Nussmeier and the offense aren’t living up to their end of the bargain.

The truth about Garrett Nussmeier 

When Nussmeier is comfortable in structure and sees the field well, he is a talented thrower of the football. We saw that during the second half against Clemson in the opener, when Nussmeier hit a bit of a Linsanity run and couldn’t seem to miss. When he’s on, he is a good player. When he’s not, however, he can be a disaster. 

During his two years as a starter, Nussmeier has had some nice moments. While wearing an LSU uniform, he has thrown for 6,931 yards and 47 touchdowns. Nussmeier has also added five more scores as a runner, even though that isn’t a big part of his game. 

The biggest issue for Nussmeier has been his untimely turnovers, especially in bigger games. Nussmeier has thrown 22 interceptions during his career and has also lost four fumbles. We have also seen a general inability to push the ball down the field, which was illustrated by Connelly in his analysis. There certainly isn’t a lack of talent at wide receiver. LSU invested a ton of money into the five-man group of Barion Brown, Nic Anderson, Aaron Anderson, Zavion Thomas, and Chris Hilton Jr.

Is this a Kelly issue, Joe Sloan issue, or something more with Nussmeier? He has been dealing with an injury, so perhaps that has stunted his growth as a quarterback. Whatever the reason, the LSU offense is one of the bigger letdowns in college football this season, and Nussmier deserves his fair share of that blame.

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