Is Garrett Nussmeier LSU's Next Joe Burrow? Inside the Tigers' 2025 Quarterback Shake-Up

BATON ROUGE — Garrett Nussmeier has officially stepped into the spotlight as LSU’s unquestioned starting quarterback, and early signs from fall camp suggest the fifth-year junior is ready to turn preseason hype into playoff reality. Family roots keep QB in Baton Rouge Nussmeier resisted overtures from the transfer portal and the 2025 NFL Draft after a candid sit-down with head coach Brian Kelly and his father, former NFL signal-caller Doug Nussmeier. The meeting, featured in Netflix’s new SEC documentary, shows Kelly promising “full command of the offense” and a retooled receiver room loaded with transfers. Footwork, not fireworks, headline camp reports Through the first week of preseason practice, LSU coaches praise Nussmeier’s improved pocket discipline and willingness to tuck and run—an emphasis after 11 sacks on 128 career drop-backs. “He’s choosing smart yards over hero balls,” Kelly noted after Tuesday’s workout. NIL windfall ups the stakes The quarterback’s On3 NIL valuation has climbed to $3.8 million, making him one of college football’s top 10 earners. Negotiation footage in the documentary reveals LSU sweetened its retention pitch with a performance-based equity clause—rare even in today’s market. Heisman chatter grows louder ESPN analyst Greg McElroy named Nussmeier his preseason pick for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, citing LSU’s up-tempo scheme and a schedule that features marquee showdowns with Texas and Alabama. Sportsbooks now list the Tiger at +700—third behind Ohio State’s Devin Brown and Texas’ Arch Manning. NFL scouts eye 2026 draft Bleacher reports rank Nussmeier as the No. 2 quarterback for the 2026 class, praising his 4.55 speed and “Mahomes-style arm angles.” A strong 2025 campaign could vault him into Day 1 conversation. Key numbers to watch • Career stats: 1,885 yards, 67.8 % completion, 13 TD, 6 INT • 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl MVP: 3 TD passes vs. Wisconsin • Camp scrimmage 1: 18-for-22, 247 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT What’s next LSU holds its first public scrimmage Saturday in Tiger Stadium. If Nussmeier’s command looks as crisp under the lights as it has behind closed doors, expect the Heisman drumbeat—and LSU’s playoff odds—to grow even louder.