Garrett Nussmeier is stepping into the spotlight as the starting quarterback for the LSU Tigers, replacing reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Despite the pressure to fill big shoes, Nussmeier is confident in his abilities and focused on being the best version of himself.
Garrett Nussmeier is embracing the challenge of leading the LSU Tigers as their starting quarterback in the upcoming season. The redshirt junior has spent the past three years learning behind Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy last season and was drafted second overall in the NFL Draft.
Despite the lofty expectations that come with replacing such a successful quarterback, Nussmeier is not intimidated. He believes that pressure is a privilege, and he is determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Garrett Nussmeier Ready to Lead LSU Tigers as Starting Quarterback
"I'm not here to try and be the next Jayden Daniels or the next Joe Burrow. I'm here to be the best Garrett Nussmeier I can be," Nussmeier said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "I feel God brought me here for a reason, and it's my job to keep my head down, trust in Him, trust in His plan, His timing, and just do my best."
While Nussmeier has yet to start a game for LSU, he gained valuable experience last year when he played in the ReliaQuest Bowl in place of Daniels, who sat out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Nussmeier threw for 395 yards and led the Tigers to a 35-31 victory over Wisconsin.
Garrett Nussmeier Ready to Lead LSU Tigers as Starting Quarterback
"It definitely was a confidence booster. I hadn't played in a while. It was my first start, to be able to get a win and throw for 400 yards and all that. It was cool," Nussmeier said.
Nussmeier also benefited from the addition of Brian Kelly as head coach in 2020. Kelly has raised the expectations for the program, and Nussmeier is confident that the Tigers can compete for a national championship this season.
Garrett Nussmeier Ready to Lead LSU Tigers as Starting Quarterback
"We don't feel like 10 wins is good enough anymore," Nussmeier said. "That's what we've had in the past, one or two games away from being in the College Football Playoff. That's what we're trying to eliminate, is to eliminate those mistakes.
"We don't want to be almost good enough anymore – we want to be in that conversation and in that pack. I think that's a successful season for us, to really establish ourselves and say 'Hey, these guys are a real threat,' and to be in that 'real' conversation and bring LSU to where it has been in the past and in that conversation."
The Tigers will have a tough test early on, as they head to Las Vegas to begin their season against No. 23 USC on Sunday. Nussmeier is eager to show the world what he can do and lead LSU to another successful season.
