Interim head coach Frank Wilson is gearing up to coach the LSU Tigers in the Texas Bowl against Houston on December 27. It will be the last game of the Wilson's interim tenure before the Lane Kiffin era officially takes over.
LSU fans are fired up for the future of this position group under Lane Kiffin
On Tuesday, Wilson spoke with the media regarding LSU's preparations to battle the Cougars. While the game is still several weeks away, Wilson already confirmed that the Tigers will be without three key playmakers when LSU takes the field at NRG Stadium. Garrett Nussmeier, Mansoor Delane, Aaron Anderson, and Whit Weeks will all be inactive for the contest.
Frank Wilson says Garrett Nussmeier, Mansoor Delane, Aaron Anderson and Whit Weeks will not play in the Texas Bowl due to injury. Braelin Moore has a chance to play.
— Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) December 9, 2025
Wilson mentioned Jack Pyburn as a possible opt out but said that decision hadn’t been made yet.
LSU battling injuries to several key players in Texas Bowl matchup against Houston
Nussmeier has been battling an abdominal injury all season long, and it clearly had an impact on his performance. He battled through the injury for the first half of the season, but has not played since November 8 against Alabama. Thus, it's not surprising to see him sidelined for the Texas Bowl. Nussmeier ends his LSU career with 7,699 passing yards and 52 touchdowns to his name. In his absence, Michael Van Buren figures to get his fourth consecutive start as LSU's QB1.
Delane has been dealing with a core muscle injury since Week 4, but has still thrived in LSU's secondary. Delane has been arguably the best cornerback in all of college football this season. His stellar play has him skyrocketing up NFL Draft boards, with many experts prediction he will go in the first round.
Last season, Anderson led the Tigers in catches (61) and yards (884) to go along with five receiving touchdowns. Unfortunately, his 2025 season has been plagued by several injuries. Like Nussmeier, he also hasn't played since the Alabama game on November 8. Anderson ends the 2025 season with 33 catches for 398 yards without any touchdowns.
Weeks missed four games with an ankle injury this season, and returned to the field against Western Kentucky on November 22. He also suited up in the regular season finale against Oklahoma in a limited capacity. However, Wilson confirmed that Week's 2025 season is done and that he won't play in the Texas Bowl. Weeks ends the 2025 campaign with 31 tackles (14 solo), three tackles for loss and a sack.
Not only is LSU trying to end the 2025 season on a high note with a second consecutive Texas Bowl victory, but the game serves as a try out for next season. Kiffin is sure to be watching who stands out for the Tigers, and it will be interesting to see what roster decisions he makes when the season officially wraps up.