Brian Kelly’s pitch for star QB Garrett Nussmeier to return to LSU over 2025 NFL Draft revealed in newest Netflix special
One of the major questions for the LSU Tigers and SEC outlook as a whole entering this offseason was whether Garrett Nussmeier would be back with Brian Kelly’s program or end up in the NFL. The first-year starter in 2024 broke out with a huge season, giving him the chance to compete to be a […]
One of the major questions for the LSU Tigers and SEC outlook as a whole entering this offseason was whether Garrett Nussmeier would be back with Brian Kelly’s program or end up in the NFL. The first-year starter in 2024 broke out with a huge season, giving him the chance to compete to be a Day 2 draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, Nussmeier was persuaded to return, and he leads an impressive group into a massively challenging 2025 schedule.
How Nussmeier made his decision was somewhat revealed this week when Netflix’s special, SEC Football: Any Given Saturday, dropped. In one of the episodes, Kelly’s call with Nussmeier’s agent, Trace Armstrong, was shared. It was a strange interaction between someone who represented both the head coach of LSU and the star quarterback.
As college football is now more than ever, Nussmeier’s decision was represented as money-driven. While understandable, a quarterback who is thin at 6-foot-2 and around 195 pounds and led the SEC with 12 interceptions didn’t have the most leverage to leave the Tigers in that moment. Kelly even admits that Nussmeier’s third-round projection shouldn’t be an insurmountable financial obstacle.
Armstrong: “I know our people have some feelings on the LSU side. So I just want to figure out the best way for us to do this.”
Kelly: “If it’s a third-round draft pick, you’re gonna break even. So let’s get the data together. If you’re not going to make money on this, let’s see how this works for both of us, right?”
Armstrong: “Look, everybody’s gotta do the best they can for their client. I think everyone understands that.”
Kelly: “For us, we’re trying to protect guys that can help us win. Let’s work together. That’s all I’m saying.”
Armstrong: “Yeah, we’ll figure it out. Happy hunting.”
Nussmeier had a great 2024, completing 64.2% of a league-leading 525 attempts for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. He was a big-play merchant, often chasing high-risk but high-reward throws despite having good but far from elite arm strength. A decent athlete who wins with accuracy and timing, Nussmeier has a ton of hype around him entering 2025.
That includes being one of the five top Heisman Trophy favorites. LSU’s brutal schedule will make that quest difficult, but the Tigers are loaded on offense. Nic Anderson, Chris Hilton, and Barion Brown headline one of the best playmaking units across the country.
Nussmeier made the right call to come back. I don’t see a path to being a high first-round pick, as the NFL doesn’t love his lack of physical upside and his penchant for turnovers right now. But landing in the late first to early Day 2 mix is possible with a strong fall.
LSU will be thrilled if Nussmeier can better balance his playmaking gene and his reliability. They’ll have the chance to make the College Football Playoffs if this offense is as explosive and effective as many expect.
