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Former LSU Star Predicts Garrett Nussmeier to Follow Jayden Daniels’ Footsteps

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated May 19, 2025 2:20 PM ET

Jayden Daniels' rapid rise to NFL stardom was forged through his time in Tempe as an Arizona State Sun Devil and his big breakthrough under Brian Kelly at LSU. It was in Baton Rouge where Daniels became the first Tiger to claim the Heisman Trophy since Joe Burrow in 2019. And as a rookie in the NFL, Daniels guided the Washington Commanders to their first conference championship game in 33 years.

It is too early to tell whether a similar path to stardom awaits Garrett Nussmeier, but his first season as LSU's starting quarterback demonstrated his immense potential. Though Nussmeier's 12 interceptions were the most by an SEC quarterback, his 29 passing touchdowns ranked second in the conference, and no one else attempted more passes (525) or accrued more completions (337) than the Lake Charles, Louisiana, native.

"Yeah, I definitely feel like Garrett can do the exact thing as Jayden."

Former @LSUfootball star Brian Thomas Jr. believes quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is poised to make a substantial jump as the #LSU starter from year one to year two, just like Jayden Daniels. pic.twitter.com/4JRK0Xe2Qm
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) May 18, 2025

Stylistically, Nussmeier is a different quarterback from Daniels, but Jacksonville Jaguars star receiver Brian Thomas Jr. believes Nussmeier will make a Daniels-esque leap in 2025.

"I definitely feel like Garrett can do the exact thing as Jayden," the former LSU standout told WAFB Channel 9 in Baton Rouge. "Being with Garrett, we came in together, just seeing him get better each and every year and make progress throughout the year, I definitely feel he can do the same thing."

Nussmeier signed off on the 2024 season by leading LSU to victory in the Texas Bowl, where he threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns in a 44-31 win over Baylor. Expectations are high in Baton Rouge entering the 2025 season — and in Nussmeier's final season of NCAA eligibility, Nussmeier taking the next step could make the difference as LSU attempts to return to the College Football Playoff.

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

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