LSU Tigers QB Garrett Nussmeier receives shoutout from Arch Manning that fans probably didn't expect whatsoever

The Tigers QB never shies away from opportunities to improve, and being able to call on Manning for pointers or extra practice is probably an extremely useful tool for Nussmeier. 

Arch Manning turned to Garrett Nussmeier for guidance in the last two years. Nussmeier has been around the Manning family since he was a kid, when his father, Doug, played with Peyton during his rookie year in Indianapolis.

Growing up in the state of Louisiana, Arch Manning and Nussmeier always knew of each other. But when Nussmeier first started attending the Manning Passing Academy as a counselor in 2023, Manning took note of the LSU quarterback.

“It’s cool having a guy like Nuss to look up to,” Manning said. “He kind of had the same situation as me, just sitting for a few years, then going to play, and he played well. I’ve watched a lot of his film. He’s a good player, so it’s fun to look up to him.”

-- Pete Nakos, On3.com

LSU won't play Texas this season during the regular season. Both teams are widely predicted to make the College Football Playoff based on media predictions, though. 

We could see Manning and Nussmeier go head to head when it matters most. That'd be incredibly entertaining. 

Expectations for LSU and Nussmeier

Nussmeier has quickly evolved from an interesting college quarterback into a legitimate, potential first-round pick for the NFL Draft. The Tigers starter is widely expected to go early in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Meanwhile, the Tigers are +125 to make the College Football Playoff via DraftKings Sportsbook. 

Those odds are working in LSU's favor when you look at the entire field. Plenty of evaluators think they can be one of the top three teams in the annually talent-stacked SEC this year. 

If LSU reaches their potential, that means that Nussmeier did as well when it comes to his development. He took important steps in 2024. Now, consistency and decision-making are at the forefront for the gunslinger that will almost certainly have a friendly rivalry with his friend for the Longhorns.