After a sensational 2024 campaign in which he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, Garrett Nussmeier's final collegiate season hasn't gone as planned. Nussmeier has battled an abdominal injury all season long, which has hindered his playing ability. He was benched against Alabama two weeks ago and was unable to play last week against Arkansas. As LSU prepares for its final home game of 2025, Nussmeier's status isn't trending in the right direction.
Michael Van Buren makes his position clear on LSU's upcoming coaching change
According to interim head coach Frank Wilson, Nussmeier will be listed as doubtful for Saturday's matchup against Western Kentucky. It's another tough blow to the veteran QB, who appears to have already played his last game in Tiger Stadium.
Garrett Nussmeier doubtful for final home game at Tiger Stadium
Nussmeier is a Tiger through and through, having spent five seasons in Baton Rouge. He's had severl chances to leave LSU, but has chosen to come back every time. When he didn't see much playing time in his first few seasons, he could have left via the transfer portal for a starting job elsewhere. This past offseason, he chose to forgo the NFL Draft to come back for one more season at LSU. Not being able to suit up for his final home game in Death Valley is certainly a bummer.
It's been clear that Nussmeier's lingering abdominal injury has been impacting him on the field. He hasn't been able to throw the ball down the field on a consistent basis throughout the season. That's something he excelled at last season, and fans have noticed the stark contrast in his deep ball ability.
On the season, Nussmeier has thrown for 1,927 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. His completion percentage of 67.4 is a career-best, as he's completed 194 of his 288 pass attempts. However, his passer rating has fallen from 142.7 last season to 133.8 in 2025.
With Nussmeier out, Michael Van Buren could be in line for his second consecutive start. Van Buren led LSU to a 23-22 win over Arkansas in his Tiger starting debut last week, throwing for 221 yards and a touchdown along with rushing for 36 yards. The Mississippi State transfer has yet to turn the ball over this season, and will try to lead the Tigers to a strong finish in what has been a wildly chaotic season in Baton Rouge.