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LSU Announces Garrett Nussmeier Development on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Nov 19, 2025 11:39 AM ET

LSU Tigers fifth-year senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has had a great career in the purple and gold. In 40 games across his five seasons with the program, Nussmeier has completed 64% of his passes for 7,699 yards and 52 touchdowns with 24 interceptions.

Despite his overall success, this year has been a disappointing one for LSU as a whole. After the first eight games of the season, the Tigers fired fourth-year head coach Brian Kelly after a 5-3 start.

To compound the fact that LSU's coach is gone, Nussmeier has been banged up and missed last week's victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks with an abdominal injury.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) throws a pass.© Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

In Nussmeier's absence, sophomore Michael Van Buren Jr. started against Arkansas. He played well, going 21-of-31 passing for 221 yards and one touchdown in the 23-22 win over the Razorbacks, who are 0-6 in the SEC.

With another matchup coming this Saturday against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Tigers fans have been wondering whether Nussmeier will be ready to go.

On Wednesday, On3 reporter Pete Nakos reported Nussmeier is doubtful for Saturday.

"LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier is doubtful this week against Western Kentucky, per interim coach Frank Wilson," Nakos said. "Source tells @On3sports he's currently not expected to play and did not practice Tuesday. Michael Van Buren is in line to get the start."

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier is doubtful this week against Western Kentucky, per interim coach Frank Wilson.

Source tells @On3sports he's currently not expected to play and did not practice Tuesday. Michael Van Buren is in line to get the start. https://t.co/vidWEB0czs pic.twitter.com/VItPINMbRt
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) November 19, 2025

When he has been on the field this year, Nussmeier has looked quite sharp. In eight starts, he completed 67.4% of his passes for 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns with five interceptions.

As it seems Nussmeier won't play on Saturday, he hopes to be back for an SEC battle against the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners on Nov. 29.

This Saturday's matchup against Western Kentucky will kick off at 7:45 p.m. ET at Tiger Stadium on the SEC Network.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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