As the 2025 college football season approaches, the buzz surrounding LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has reached a fever pitch. Analysts and fans alike are touting him as a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, with some projecting him as a potential first-round pick. However, a closer examination of Nussmeier’s performance and the context of his career suggests that this hype may be premature and, to some extent, unwarranted.
A Glimpse into Nussmeier’s 2024 Season
In the 2024 season, Garrett Nussmeier stepped into the starting quarterback role for LSU after serving as a backup for three years. During this season, he amassed 4,039 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, completing 64.1% of his passes over 13 games. These statistics indicate a solid performance but also highlight areas requiring improvement, particularly in decision-making and consistency. New York PostFootball Scout 365
Evaluating Performance Against Top Competition
A critical aspect of assessing a quarterback’s potential is their performance against high-caliber opponents. In 2024, Nussmeier faced several ranked teams, including Alabama, Florida, and Texas A&M. In these matchups, his performance was inconsistent. For instance, against Alabama, he completed 27 of 42 passes for 239 yards, with two interceptions and no touchdowns, culminating in a 42-13 loss. Similarly, in the game against Florida, he threw for 260 yards with no touchdowns, and LSU fell 27-16. These games underscore challenges in Nussmeier’s ability to elevate his play against elite defenses.
Comparisons with Peers
When juxtaposed with other quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Nussmeier’s standing becomes more nuanced. While he has demonstrated potential, other quarterbacks have showcased more consistent and higher-level performances. For example, Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Cam Ward from Miami have had standout seasons, leading to higher projections in mock drafts. Nussmeier’s current ranking places him at 42nd overall, indicating that while he is on the radar, he is not yet among the elite prospects.
The Decision to Return for the 2025 Season
Opting to return to LSU for his redshirt senior year, Nussmeier aims to refine his skills and enhance his draft stock. This decision reflects self-awareness and a commitment to development, acknowledging that his current performance level may not suffice for early-round NFL selection. His father, Doug Nussmeier, a former NFL quarterback and current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback coach, has expressed pride in Garrett’s perseverance and dedication. This familial support underscores the importance of continued growth and maturity in his approach to the game.
Media Hype vs. On-Field Reality
The media’s portrayal of Nussmeier as a top-tier prospect appears to be driven more by potential than by concrete achievements. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his overall body of work does not yet align with the accolades being bestowed upon him. This disparity raises questions about the basis of the hype and whether it is justified at this stage of his career.
Areas for Improvement
For Nussmeier to meet and exceed the expectations set before him, several key areas require attention:
-
Decision-Making: Reducing interception rates and making smarter choices under pressure are crucial for his development.
-
Consistency: Delivering reliable performances, especially against top-tier teams, will bolster his credibility as a leading quarterback.
-
Leadership: Demonstrating the ability to inspire and lead his team in high-stakes situations will enhance his draft appeal.
While Garrett Nussmeier possesses the raw talent and potential to develop into a formidable quarterback, the current level of hype surrounding him appears disproportionate to his on-field accomplishments thus far. The upcoming 2025 season will be pivotal for Nussmeier to address his weaknesses, showcase growth, and substantiate the high expectations placed upon him. Until then, a more measured and evidence-based assessment of his prospects is warranted.
A Call for Change in College Athletics
Ben Christman’s tragic passing has not only left a void in the hearts of his teammates, coaches, and family but has also prompted a necessary conversation about the physical well-being of college athletes. While collegiate sports place immense demands on players, questions arise about whether the medical oversight currently in place is sufficient to detect potential health risks before they become fatal.
Athletic programs across the country are now facing renewed scrutiny regarding their medical evaluation procedures. Some experts argue that while NCAA-mandated physicals are a step in the right direction, they may not go far enough in identifying hidden cardiac or neurological conditions. In many cases, conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), arrhythmias, and myocarditis can be missed in routine checkups.
Medical professionals in the sports industry are advocating for more frequent and advanced cardiac screenings, particularly for athletes in physically demanding positions such as offensive and defensive linemen. Given Christman’s size and position, it raises the question of whether more comprehensive testing—such as echocardiograms and stress tests—should be implemented as a mandatory part of athlete health protocols.
The conversation also extends beyond cardiac screenings. The physical toll of football is immense, with players frequently enduring rigorous training, high-impact collisions, and demanding schedules. With Christman’s passing occurring just after practice and his reported chest pains the day before, some speculate whether stress, fatigue, or undiagnosed conditions played a role.
If nothing else, his death has reinforced the need for collegiate athletic programs to continuously assess and improve their medical evaluation processes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Support and Tributes Continue to Pour In
As investigations continue, tributes for Christman have grown beyond just his immediate circles. His impact on those around him has led to widespread acknowledgment from across the sports world, including from professional athletes and former college football players who recognize the significance of his loss.
NFL players, many of whom were once in his position as college athletes, have voiced their condolences and support for Christman’s family. New Orleans Saints offensive lineman and former Ohio State Buckeye Cesar Ruiz tweeted, “Heartbroken for Ben Christman’s family. This game brings us together as brothers, and losing one so young is devastating.”
The Ohio State football program plans to hold a moment of silence in Christman’s honor at their upcoming spring game. Kentucky and UNLV are also expected to dedicate parts of their upcoming seasons to his memory.
Additionally, fans have started various online campaigns to support Christman’s family, with many donating to the memorial scholarship fund set up in his name. The outpouring of love and support showcases the deep impact he had on those around him, even beyond the football field.
A Personal Reflection from His Family
Amid the grief and unanswered questions surrounding his passing, Christman’s family has begun to share personal stories about his life outside of football. His parents, Greg and Lisa Christman, described him as more than just an athlete; he was a son, a brother, and a friend with an infectious smile and a heart full of kindness.
“He had a way of making everyone feel included,” his mother shared in an emotional statement. “He was always the first to reach out to a new teammate, to help a struggling friend, or to offer encouragement to someone who needed it.”
His younger sister, Emily, reflected on how much he loved the game but, more importantly, how much he loved his family. “Football was his passion, but he always made time for us. No matter how busy he was, he never missed a family dinner when he was home.”
His father, a former high school football coach, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support but admitted that the pain of losing his son is something he may never fully recover from. “We just want answers. We just want to know what happened,” he said.
For Christman’s loved ones, honoring his legacy means more than just remembering his contributions on the football field—it means keeping his spirit of kindness, dedication, and leadership alive in everything they do.
Looking Ahead: Honoring Christman’s Legacy
As college football programs prepare for their upcoming seasons, it is clear that Ben Christman’s impact will not be forgotten. Schools across the country are now discussing ways to commemorate his life, whether through dedicated games, memorial plaques, or scholarships in his name.
His teammates at UNLV, who had only just begun to know him, have vowed to dedicate their 2025 season to him, with some players planning to wear his initials on their gear. His former teammates at Ohio State and Kentucky will also be carrying his memory forward in their own ways.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups are pushing for increased medical screenings in college athletics, using Christman’s case as a wake-up call to prioritize player safety. While no amount of reform can undo the tragedy of his passing, ensuring that other athletes receive the necessary medical attention could be a meaningful step forward in his honor.
Ben Christman was more than just a talented football player—he was a dedicated teammate, a loving son, and a young man with a bright future ahead of him. His passing is a profound loss, not only for his family and teammates but for the entire football community.
As his loved ones continue to mourn, the hope is that his legacy will lead to positive changes in athlete health awareness and that his memory will serve as an inspiration for future generations of players.
His journey, though cut short, leaves a lasting impact. And as the sports world continues to pay tribute to his life, one thing is certain: Ben Christman will always be remembered.