Torch Passed: LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier Ready To Lead The Tigers

Nussmeier prepared for the challenge of following in Jayden Daniels' footsteps, lead the Bayou Bengals.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has patiently waited his turn to the No. 1 signal-caller for the Bayou Bengals.

Now, after three years in Baton Rouge, it's his turn to show the LSU fanbase what he's all about when named the starter.

Nussmeier will make his first career start against Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl, an opportunity he doesn't take for granted,

After backing up Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels for two years, he's soaked up knowledge like a sponge.

But now it's Nussmeier's turn to take over in Death Valley and lead the Tigers.

LSU's QB1 opened up on the journey, his faith and trusting the process over the last three years:

Trusting The Process

“It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been trusting in God and trusting in God’s plan for me. Sometimes you want things and it may not come when you want it but God has the right timing, so it’s about trusting in him and letting it happen when it was supposed to happen.”

Mental Hurdles Along The Way

“There were a lot of moments like that. When you prepare to play in a game, I take a lot of pride in the way I prepare as if I was going to play in every game we went into. Then when the clock went to zero and I didn’t play, it was hard, but the easiest thing was if we won the game I was happy. Now it’s my opportunity to play and I’m excited about that, but it’s the same goal: Win the football game.”

The torch has been passed. Garrett Nussmeier is #LSU’s QB1 as he dials in for his first career start.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but through patience, prayer and attention to detail, his time has arrived.

Nussmeier dove into the journey and excitement for this moment. pic.twitter.com/XCPzqu7DGQ

— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) December 21, 2023

Preparing for the Speed

“I wouldn’t say the speed of the game [is a concern]. I’ve gotten enough reps to where I’ve experienced it. That Georgia defense in the SEC Championship was about as fast as it’s going to get. They’re one of the best defenses in a long time. I’m just excited. It’s just going to be about leading this offense and doing my job.”

The Big Guys Up Front

“It’s really comforting. I trust those guys up front. You got two All-American tackles and they;ve been nothing but a joy to be around, that whole group. They work hard every single day and they support me every step of the way.”

Jayden Daniels' Influence 

“The most I appreciate about him was how we pushed each other to be great every single day. That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career, just having to be good every single day, especially when we completed two years ago in the fall. It taught me to approach every rep and every practice as if it was a game. I’m really happy for him and he was the best player in college football and he deserved that trophy.”

Young Wideouts

“Those guys have done a great job. Shelton, Parker, Pimpton, Brown, and all those guys have done a great job and they have a lot of really good role models to look up to. They’ve made strides and I’m excited to get to work with them this offseason.”

Developing With Lack of Snaps

“My relationship with coach Sloan has helped me a lot. He pushes me to be the very best version of myself every single day and the best part of him is that he believes in me, so when he gets on me it just says I have no off reps because he knows the level I should be playing at, so it’s great for me.”

Did Nussmeier Ever Think of Leaving LSU?

“No, I never questioned it. I knew this was the place I wanted to be. I wanted to represent this university and it was just about waiting on the timing. I wanted to push and get better and better and wait for my time, so I’m really excited.”

The Opportunity to Be LSU's QB1

“It’s been a long three years trying to stay patient and trust in the plan, trust in the process, trust in God’s plan. It’s a weird feeling, but I’m very excited. I’m more excited to get out there and play my best and show people what I can do and that I can lead this offense to its maximum potential.”