"You always want to get better": LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier looks back on personal growth from being a backup to breakout star

Garrett Nussmeier is ready to shine as LSU's starting quarterback in the upcoming season. After being a backup to Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier will take the reins in Brian Kelly’s offense for his fourth year in Baton Rouge.

Nussmeier's journey is an example of a reward one gets for patience and perseverance. While many quarterbacks might have entered the transfer portal, he chose to stay and improve his game.

“It never changes,” Nussmeier said in an interview with On3 about his self-expectations. “You always want to get better each and every day, and I hope that if you interview me in 10 years and I’m in my eighth year in the league, I would say that I’m working on the exact same things.

“Just continuing to get better, like I said, every single day, just keeping my head down and going to work,” the LSU QB added.

Over three seasons at the Tigers, Nussmeier has recorded 1,790 throwing yards, 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The Tigers kick off their 2024 campaign on September 1 against USC in the Vegas Kickoff Classic, and their first SEC game is in Week 3, against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Brian Kelly places trust in Garrett Nussmeier

The LSU HC is confident that Garrett Nussmeier will be up to the task in the 2024 season. Replacing 2023 Heisman trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who moved on to the NFL, Nussmeier made a strong impression in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin.

He completed 31 of 45 passes for 395 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, ultimately securing a 35-31 victory for the Tigers. Brian Kelly sees much potential in Nussmeier, even comparing him to Daniels.

"Certainly, again I don’t think you win a game on athleticism," Kelly stated to On3. "You have to have the things necessary to overcome a deficit, overcome being a first-time starter. You can’t just get by on arm talent. You’ve got to be a guy that’s confident in your ability, has a great process that he trusts.

"So he’s (Nussmeier) got a lot of the same traits that Jayden does, obviously he doesn’t run and has the escapability, you didn’t see any of that today where Jayden created a lot of yards for us there. But Nuss can do it in other ways and I think he’s gonna continue to do that for us."

While Nussmeier may not have Daniels' running ability, Kelly is confident about his unique skill set. Only time will tell whether Nussmeier will prove a worthy successor to Daniels.