LSU Football: The Tigers’ QB situation is starting to become clear

LSU football is in the midst of an intense quarterback battle that features four talented signal-callers.

Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron has to pick a starter between redshirt senior Myles Brenna, sophomore Max Johnson, sophomore TJ Finley, and true freshman Garrett Nussmeier.

If you listen to Coach O, there isn’t a current leader in the battle.

“We come off the field and one day Garrett can be the best quarterback then the next day is TJ then the next day was Myles then the next day was Max,” said Orgeron after LSU’s spring game (via Rivals).

While there may not be a leader yet, I definitely think we’re starting to get a clear picture of how this battle will play out.

How LSU football’s QB battle will likely play out

It feels like LSU’s quarterback battle is trending in a certain direction.

After spring practice, I think it’s safe to say that this four-man battle is really a two-man battle.

Brennan and Johnson appear to be the Tigers’ top two quarterback options, then there’s a clear gap between those two and Finley/Nussmeier.

I think Nussmeier could be the most talented quarterback on the roster, but he doesn’t have the experience needed to guide LSU’s offense.

So here’s how I think this plays out.

Going into fall camp, I think we’ll see Orgeron acknowledge that Brennan and Johnson are the Tigers’ top two quarterbacks. Orgeron has already said that he knows he needs the top quarterback options to get more reps this fall.

“I think when we come back to camp we’re going to have to designate a certain amount of reps for those guys and give the first and second guy more reps,” explained Orgeron after the spring game.

Once that happens, I wouldn’t be surprised if Finley enters the transfer portal. It’s just hard to imagine a scenario where LSU keeps all four of these quarterbacks this fall.

I doubt Nussmeier goes anywhere this fall. He’s a true freshman and he could still get his chance next year (if Johnson struggles at some point).

Finley, though, feels like the odd man out. And he’s too good to sit on the bench in Baton Rouge. He wants to play, and it will be completely understandable if he transfers.

As for who wins the battle? Well, I’m still leaning toward Brennan, mostly because of his experience. But I wouldn’t be shocked if Johnson wins the battle, either.

In other words, this is extremely close. And there’s a good chance we won’t know who LSU’s starter will be until the Tigers’ first snap of the season-opener against UCLA.