Last season, the LSU Tigers showcased one of the nation’s most talented offensive football teams, leading Coach Brian Kelly’s squad to a 10-3 record, including a 6-2 mark in the Southeastern Conference.
Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels delivered near-flawless performances, culminating in his selection as the number two overall pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Bayou Bengals concluded their season with a 35-31 victory over Wisconsin in the Reliaquest Bowl.
Looking ahead, the Tigers face an even tougher challenge with the addition of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC.
On Monday, July 15, Coach Kelly expressed confidence in Jayden Daniels’ replacement, Garrett Nussmeier, describing him as a diligent player and the son of Doug Nussmeier, the current QB coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now set to be the starting quarterback, Nussmeier has significantly elevated his preparation and performance.
“You can see that transformation with Garrett and everything he does,” said Coach Brian Kelly, according to Nola.com.
“He’s waited for this opportunity to drive this car.
“Nobody — nobody — is gonna mess with it,” Kelly emphasized.
“Not one player is gonna take away the opportunity for it to be successful.”
The Tigers kick off the season on September 1 with a prime-time matchup against Coach Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans, with Nussmeier expected to start.
Although Nussmeier has only started one game during his LSU career, he has played in 18, including high-profile matchups against Alabama and Georgia.
The 6-foot-2 redshirt junior from Lake Charles, Louisiana, understands the importance of managing his emotions for a successful season.
“I’ve had to learn since my freshman year,” Nussmeier said. “How to control myself a little bit.
“I had to learn when and where to take shots, when to seize opportunities, and when to check the ball down.”