What He Said: LSU Football’s Staff Praising Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s Growth

As LSU football continues to prepare for the 2025 season, there has been a major focus on the development of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. A rising star in Baton Rouge, Nussmeier has garnered attention from the coaching staff, teammates, and fans alike for his incredible growth both on and off the field. After a promising but somewhat inconsistent first season, Nussmeier has shown significant improvement, and the LSU coaching staff has been quick to praise the strides he’s made in his second year with the Tigers.

Nussmeier’s journey is one of maturation, learning from past experiences, and embracing the challenge of leading a program with high expectations. Whether it’s refining his mechanics, improving his decision-making, or developing leadership skills, Nussmeier’s growth has become a key story for LSU football this offseason. The question of who will start at quarterback for the Tigers in 2025 is one that has captivated fans, but it’s clear that Nussmeier is a significant part of LSU’s future, and his evolution as a player is critical for the program’s success.

This article will explore the praise surrounding Garrett Nussmeier from LSU’s coaching staff, his growth as a quarterback, and what his development means for the team moving forward.

Garrett Nussmeier: A Look at His Background

Before diving into the praise and analysis from the LSU coaching staff, it’s important to understand who Garrett Nussmeier is and what makes him such an exciting prospect for LSU football. Nussmeier, a highly touted recruit out of Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, came to LSU with a reputation as one of the best young quarterbacks in the country. His arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket made him an immediate standout among LSU’s quarterback options.

In his first season with LSU in 2023, Nussmeier was thrust into action as a freshman backup quarterback. Although the starting job was held by experienced quarterback Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier had the opportunity to play in multiple games and gain valuable experience. While his performances were inconsistent at times, he showed flashes of brilliance, including a memorable showing in the SEC Championship game against Georgia. His ability to make big plays downfield and his confidence in the pocket caught the attention of coaches and fans alike.

Despite the ups and downs, Nussmeier’s first season was a learning experience, and he took that as motivation to improve. Heading into his second year with the Tigers, Nussmeier entered the offseason with a renewed focus on becoming the best quarterback he could be. In 2024, the Louisiana native aimed to take his game to the next level, and the coaching staff began to see the results of his hard work.

Coaching Staff Praises Nussmeier’s Growth

LSU’s coaching staff, led by head coach Brian Kelly, has been vocal about the growth they’ve seen in Nussmeier since his arrival in Baton Rouge. From his maturity to his improved playmaking ability, the Tigers’ coaches have been impressed with Nussmeier’s development. His evolution as a quarterback has become one of the key narratives of LSU’s offseason, and the coaching staff’s praise has only fueled excitement surrounding his potential for the upcoming season.

One of the most prominent voices praising Nussmeier’s growth has been offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock. Denbrock, who came to LSU in 2022, worked closely with Nussmeier during the 2023 season and has seen his improvement firsthand.

“Garrett has made tremendous strides since he first arrived here,” Denbrock said during spring practice. “His ability to read defenses and make quick, decisive decisions has improved dramatically. He’s always had the arm strength, but now he’s learning to be patient and let the game come to him. That’s the biggest area of growth.”

Denbrock highlighted that Nussmeier’s growth has been largely mental. While the physical tools were always there, the quarterback’s ability to process information quickly and make the right decision has been a major point of focus. One area where Nussmeier has excelled is his improved decision-making under pressure. In his first season, Nussmeier showed some signs of being a little too aggressive at times, forcing throws into tight windows or taking unnecessary risks. But in 2024, he has shown increased patience, waiting for plays to develop rather than trying to make something happen too quickly.

Another coach who has noticed Nussmeier’s progress is quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan, who was hired to help develop the Tigers’ quarterbacks. Sloan praised Nussmeier’s approach to refining his technique and his commitment to getting better each day. “Garrett has a passion for the game, and you can see that in the way he works every day,” Sloan remarked. “He’s been meticulous in his approach to improving his fundamentals, and it’s paying off. His mechanics are more consistent, and that’s allowed him to be more accurate and efficient.”

One of the most noticeable improvements in Nussmeier’s game has been his mechanics, particularly his footwork. In his freshman season, Nussmeier’s mechanics were at times erratic, leading to missed throws and inconsistent accuracy. However, through dedicated work in the offseason, Nussmeier has tightened up his footwork, allowing him to make throws with greater precision and consistency.

Developing Leadership: A Quarterback’s Mental Growth

As a quarterback, one of the most important aspects of a player’s development is their ability to lead their teammates. This has been another area where Nussmeier has shown significant growth, earning the respect of his coaches and teammates for his leadership abilities.

In his freshman year, Nussmeier was still adjusting to the speed of the college game, and as a result, his leadership style was still evolving. However, in 2024, Nussmeier’s leadership has become one of his strongest attributes. He has taken on a vocal role in the locker room, organizing player-led workouts and encouraging his teammates to stay focused and prepared.

Head coach Brian Kelly has been impressed with Nussmeier’s growth as a leader. “Garrett has really stepped up in terms of leadership,” Kelly said. “He understands the importance of being vocal and setting the tone for the team. He’s grown into a guy that the other players trust and look to for direction.”

Nussmeier’s leadership was evident during the spring practices leading up to the 2025 season. His confidence and poise under pressure were contagious, and his teammates responded positively to his presence. Quarterback play, especially in a program as storied as LSU, requires not only talent but also the ability to inspire those around you. Nussmeier’s growth in this area could prove to be just as important as his physical development.

The Importance of Depth at Quarterback

While Nussmeier’s growth has been a focal point for LSU’s coaching staff, another crucial element of LSU’s success heading into 2025 is the depth they have at quarterback. With a highly competitive quarterback room, Nussmeier is facing pressure from highly rated freshman recruits and veterans alike. This competition, however, has been a catalyst for Nussmeier’s improvement. The desire to stay at the top of the depth chart has pushed him to continue developing his skills and mental approach to the game.

“Having competition is always a good thing,” Nussmeier said when asked about the depth at quarterback. “It keeps you sharp and makes you want to improve. I’ve learned so much from the guys in the room, and I know I’ve got to keep working hard to keep my spot. It’s all about making the team better.”

That drive to improve has been evident in his work ethic and attitude. Nussmeier’s ability to handle competition with a positive mindset has been one of the most praised aspects of his growth. Rather than shying away from the challenge, Nussmeier has embraced it and used it as motivation to refine his craft.

The Impact of Garrett Nussmeier’s Growth on LSU’s 2025 Season

With Nussmeier’s growth on full display, LSU fans are optimistic about the team’s prospects for the 2025 season. The quarterback position is one of the most critical areas of any football program, and with Nussmeier now developing into a poised, confident, and skilled leader, LSU’s offense has the potential to be explosive. As Nussmeier continues to improve, the Tigers could be poised for another SEC title run, and potentially, a playoff appearance.

In addition to Nussmeier’s growth, LSU’s offense has become more balanced, with a strong supporting cast around the quarterback. From a talented receiving corps to a powerful offensive line, Nussmeier has the tools at his disposal to take the Tigers to new heights. However, his development as a quarterback will ultimately be the key to LSU’s success.

Nussmeier’s growth isn’t just about improving his individual performance—it’s about taking LSU football to the next level. The Tigers have the talent and the coaching to compete with the best in the nation, and with Nussmeier under center, they have a quarterback who can lead them to victory.

A Bright Future for Garrett Nussmeier and LSU Football

The praise for Garrett Nussmeier’s growth from LSU’s coaching staff is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and potential. From his refined mechanics to his improved leadership skills, Nussmeier is showing that he is ready to be the leader LSU football needs in 2025 and beyond. The future is bright for the Tigers, and much of that hinges on the development of their young quarterback.

As LSU prepares for the 2025 season, Nussmeier’s growth will be one of the storylines to watch. With a talented supporting cast and a coaching staff that believes in his potential, Nussmeier is ready to take on the challenge and lead LSU to greater success. The praise he’s receiving now is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career in Baton Rouge.