BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana State University’s football program confirmed this week that longtime starting quarterback will no longer be part of the Tigers’ roster heading into the 2026 season, marking the end of a notable five-year collegiate career in Baton Rouge.
The announcement comes as LSU prepares for its December 27 Texas Bowl matchup and begins a major offseason transition under newly hired head coach Lane Kiffin. Nussmeier, a redshirt senior who started for LSU in 2024 and part of the 2025 campaign, has exhausted his NCAA eligibility and will not return to the program.
End of an Era
Nussmeier’s departure closes out a significant chapter for LSU’s offense. The son of former NFL quarterback coach Doug Nussmeier, Garrett had been a focal point of the Tigers’ attack since stepping into the starting role. His 2024 season was particularly noteworthy, as he threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, establishing himself among the SEC’s most productive passers.
LSU endured a more turbulent 2025 season, with Nussmeier dealing with injuries and inconsistent play that limited his availability and effectiveness throughout the year. Late in the campaign he lost the starting job to Michael Van Buren Jr., who has emerged as LSU’s leading quarterback down the stretch.
Roster Impact and Future Plans
With Nussmeier’s exit official, LSU enters the offseason with only one scholarship quarterback currently on the roster for its bowl game, raising urgency for Kiffin’s staff to secure experienced options through the NCAA Transfer Portal or recruitment ahead of the 2026 season. Kiffin, who took over the Tigers’ program following the midseason firing of former head coach Brian Kelly, now faces a critical offseason roster building task. LSU will need to address not only the quarterback position but also other areas across the roster as it seeks to return to SEC contention.
Though Nussmeier’s collegiate career has concluded, NFL teams and draft analysts will likely continue to monitor his development and physical tools as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft cycle. His LSU tenure — including both highs and challenges — provides evaluators with a significant body of work to assess.
Fans and observers now look ahead to who will don the purple and gold under center next year as LSU begins a new recruiting push and portal strategy under Lane Kiffin’s leadership.
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