Garrett Nussmeier makes well deserved history with prestigious No. 18 honor

The prestigious No. 18 has been awarded to LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for the upcoming 2025 season. With the recognition, Nussmeier becomes the first quarterback to wear the No. 18 since Matt Mauck.

The No. 18 has lived in LSU lore since Mauck led the Tigers to the BCS National Championship in 2003. Since then, the number is given to a player who embodies great leadership and the spirit of a winner.

These characteristics are evident in Nussmeier in a plethora of ways. Most notably, Nussmeier has chosen to come back to Baton Rouge again and again. Nussmeier has been in Baton Rouge for four seasons, but didn't become the full-time starter until last season. From 2021-2024, he could have chosen to enter the transfer portal and go elsewhere in search of a starting job. Instead, he waited his turn for the QB1 role with the Tigers.

When he got his shot in 2024, he capitalized. Nussmeier threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns last season, while also leading the SEC in completions with 337. That production draw the attention from NFL scouts, but once again, the Lake Charles native chose to return to LSU for one more season. Now, Nussmeier and the Tigers could be in for a big 2025 season. Nussmeier even has a chance to become LSU's all-time passing yards leader, needing 3,344 yards to do so.

Head coach Brian Kelly understands and appreciates the great history behind the No. 18 in Baton Rouge. In 2023, Kelly spoke on the number's significance and how he doesn't take its distribution lightly:

"The No. 18 is the player who brings all those traits of someone who leads in an extraordinary manner. The attention to detail, great focus, represents the program in a positive way in the classroom, in the community and on the field.""

Brian Kelly

Tigers to don the No. 18 in recent seasons include RB Josh Williams (2024), DL Mekhi Wingo (2023), EDGE BJ Ojulari (2022), K Avery Atkins (2021) and LB Damone Clark (2020-21).