The Manning Award is one of the most prestigious honors in college football because it is the only quarterback award that takes into account postseason performance, making it unique among the various accolades given each year. Named after the legendary Manning family—Archie, Peyton, and Eli—the award recognizes the most outstanding quarterback in the nation, a title that represents not only regular season dominance but also the ability to perform under the brightest lights when the stakes are highest. This year, one of the names included on the Manning Award watch list is LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, a quarterback whose potential, resilience, and determination have him positioned as a player to watch in 2025. For Nussmeier, being included in this conversation is not just recognition of his talent, but also a sign of the belief many hold in his ability to lead LSU’s offense and establish himself among the elite quarterbacks in college football.
Garrett Nussmeier’s journey to this point has been one marked by patience, growth, and flashes of brilliance. The son of longtime coach and former NFL quarterback Doug Nussmeier, Garrett grew up around the game, absorbing the nuances of quarterback play from an early age. This background gave him a unique foundation in reading defenses, understanding schemes, and maintaining poise under pressure. His high school career showcased his natural arm talent and football IQ, but stepping into a powerhouse program like LSU meant waiting his turn behind other highly touted quarterbacks. In today’s college football era of constant transfers, the fact that Nussmeier remained committed to LSU despite the temptation to seek immediate playing time elsewhere says a lot about his competitive nature and loyalty. That patience appears to be paying off now as he finally steps fully into the spotlight as the Tigers’ leader.
What sets the Manning Award apart from others like the Davey O’Brien or the Maxwell is its emphasis on postseason play. Many quarterbacks shine in the regular season but struggle when defenses tighten in bowl games or the playoff stage. The Mannings understood from their own careers that true greatness at the quarterback position comes from thriving in high-pressure environments. Nussmeier has already demonstrated glimpses of this, most notably in relief appearances and critical moments when he kept LSU competitive against strong opponents. His calm demeanor, willingness to take shots downfield, and ability to extend plays with his feet all contribute to his potential as a postseason difference-maker. With LSU’s high expectations this season, his candidacy for the Manning Award could hinge not just on gaudy regular season statistics but also on whether he can guide the Tigers through big games in November and beyond.
The Manning family’s influence in football cannot be overstated, and their endorsement through this award carries enormous weight. Archie Manning was a beloved quarterback for Ole Miss and later in the NFL, and his sons Peyton and Eli each carved out Hall of Fame-caliber careers defined by leadership, preparation, and clutch performances. The family’s legacy is one of excellence, and the award seeks to honor college quarterbacks who embody those same qualities. For Nussmeier to be on this watch list is, in a way, validation that his style of play, his leadership, and his potential fit the mold of what the Mannings value most in the position. It means that people within the college football community see something in him that is reminiscent of the qualities that made the Manning family synonymous with quarterback greatness.
Nussmeier’s playing style is particularly intriguing when considering his candidacy for this award. He has a gunslinger mentality, unafraid to push the ball down the field and take calculated risks, yet he also has the accuracy to hit receivers in stride on intermediate and short routes. His mobility is not elite, but it is more than enough to keep defenses honest, allowing him to escape pressure and make plays outside of the pocket. Perhaps most importantly, his confidence never wavers. Even after mistakes, he continues to play aggressively, a trait that can be both risky and rewarding. In the context of the Manning Award, which looks for quarterbacks who can rise to the moment rather than shy away from it, Nussmeier’s boldness could work heavily in his favor if he can translate it into consistent success against top-tier defenses.
The SEC, as always, provides the perfect proving ground for a quarterback like Nussmeier. Week in and week out, he will face defenses loaded with NFL-level talent, and his ability to adapt and excel in those situations will be a major factor in whether he can stand out nationally. LSU’s schedule will test him with high-pressure games that demand the kind of performance the Manning Award committee is looking for. A standout showing against rivals such as Alabama, Texas, or Florida would significantly bolster his résumé. Moreover, if LSU positions itself for a run at the SEC Championship or even a College Football Playoff berth, Nussmeier’s play under those conditions will become the centerpiece of his candidacy. That is the beauty and challenge of this award—it is not just about numbers but about moments, about who shines brightest when the lights are hottest.
LSU’s offense under head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is another reason to believe in Nussmeier’s potential for a breakout season. The Tigers have weapons at wide receiver, a strong offensive line, and a system designed to maximize a quarterback’s versatility. Nussmeier’s job is to be the engine that makes it all run. If he can orchestrate this attack effectively, LSU could become one of the most explosive offenses in the country. This is exactly the type of environment that produces Manning Award contenders—quarterbacks who are at the helm of dynamic offenses capable of dismantling opponents and making statements on national stages.
It is also worth considering the broader context of quarterback play across the country in 2025. College football is experiencing a golden era of quarterbacks, with numerous programs boasting NFL-caliber talent. To stand out among this crowd requires more than just competence; it requires a combination of skill, leadership, and intangibles that elevate a team beyond expectations. Nussmeier may not enter the season as the front-runner for the Manning Award, but the very fact that he is on the watch list suggests he has the respect of analysts, coaches, and the football community. If he capitalizes on the opportunities in front of him, there is no reason he cannot rise into the national conversation as the season progresses.
The Manning Award is also deeply tied to character and leadership, qualities the Mannings themselves embodied throughout their careers. Reports out of LSU have consistently highlighted Nussmeier’s leadership in the locker room and his commitment to preparation. Teammates respond to him, coaches trust him, and he has earned the respect necessary to command a huddle at one of the most storied programs in college football. These intangibles may not show up on stat sheets, but they are exactly the kind of traits the award seeks to recognize. For LSU, having a quarterback like Nussmeier at the helm means stability, confidence, and belief that the team can compete with anyone. For the award committee, it makes him a player worth watching all season long.
Looking ahead, the narrative surrounding Nussmeier will likely be defined by how he handles the pressure of being the face of LSU football. The Tigers’ fanbase is passionate and demanding, and expectations are always sky-high in Baton Rouge. If Nussmeier thrives, he will not only cement his place in LSU history but also establish himself as a legitimate contender for national awards like the Manning. If he struggles, the scrutiny will be intense. But that is precisely the crucible in which quarterbacks are judged, and it is exactly why the Manning Award values postseason performance so heavily. Only by enduring the ups and downs of a grueling season and emerging stronger on the biggest stages can a quarterback truly be called outstanding.
Ultimately, Garrett Nussmeier’s inclusion on the Manning Award watch list is both a recognition of his potential and a challenge for him to prove he belongs among the nation’s best. It is an invitation to step into the spotlight and show that he can carry LSU on his shoulders, not just in September and October but when championships are on the line in December and January. It is also a reminder that the path to greatness is not about immediate glory but about resilience, leadership, and the ability to perform when it matters most. For LSU fans, this is an exciting moment to watch one of their own embrace the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest quarterbacks in the game. For Nussmeier, it is the beginning of a journey that could very well end with his name etched alongside the legends of the sport as a Manning Award winner.
