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LSU star QB Garrett Nussmeier emphatically defends SEC toughness at media day: 'I don't care what anyone says'

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 1:03 PM ET

The SEC hype machine has died down a bit as the evolution of NIL and the transfer portal has spurred two-straight Big Ten national champions. The SEC wasn't represented in either of the last two title games, as the Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State Buckeyes, Washington Huskies, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish have headlined the last two years.

But that hasn't stopped LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier from representing his conference. The SEC is still top dog, according to the senior passer and Heisman Trophy candidate. He was happy to boast this at SEC Media Day on Monday.

"The SEC is the toughest conference in football. I don't care what anyone says," per Nussmeier via Brett McMurphy.

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier: "The SEC is the toughest conference in football. I don't care what anyone says"
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 14, 2025

Nussmeier is being projected as a top 40 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft quite regularly. He had Day 2 grades from scouts for this past draft, with concerns about an average arm and slight frame being the biggest knocks. He's a gunslinger who can make tight window throws but is also willing to put the ball in harm's way.

After leading the SEC in completions, attempts, and interceptions last year, Nussmeier is hoping to lead the Tigers to a College Football Playoff bid in 2025. The Tigers might have the best offense in the nation this fall after adding Nic Anderson and Barion Brown from the portal.

Improving on his 64.2% completion rate, 4,052 yards, and 29 touchdowns won't be easy, and it's possible the LSU defense and run game help him out more.

Over the last three years, the Big Ten has a slightly better bowl record (22-14, .611) than the SEC (20-16, .556), with the ACC trailing (11-21, .344). In head-to-head matchups, the SEC and Big Ten are even at 7-7, while the SEC leads the ACC 3-1.

The Big Ten’s 2024-25 dominance gives it the edge, but the SEC remains highly competitive. The ACC struggles to keep pace.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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