Garrett Nussmeier is the unquestioned leader of the 2025 LSU Tigers. Tiger fans already knew that, but it became official earlier this week when the team announced that Nussmeier has been awarded the No. 18 for the upcoming season. The number is given annually to a player who embodies great leadership and the spirit of a winner, both on and off the field. It's a well-deserved honor for Nussmeier, who is the first Tiger quarterback to don No. 18 since Matt Mauck in 2003.
The start of the 2025 season continues to inch closer and closer, as kick-off between No. 9 LSU and No. 4 Clemson is just a few days away. Going into a hostile environment, Nussmeier won't be phased. He's spent four seasons in Baton Rouge and has seen a little bit of everything. Along with leading the Tigers in a pivotal matchup against a top-five team, Nussmeier is set to make history when he takes the field at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.
One snap will make history for Garrett Nussmeier against Clemson
When Nussmeier takes the field on Saturday against Clemson, he will make history. Nussmeier is set to become the first quarterback in LSU history to return to his team following a season with at least 4,000 passing yards. In addition setting a program record, he will become just the fourth QB in SEC history to come back after a 4,000-yard season. That kind of experience is invaluable to LSU this season. That especially rings true when considering the fact that SEC teams like Alabama, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Auburn, among others, will all have new full-time starting QBs this season.
Nussmeier threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024, and chose to forgo the NFL Draft for one more season in Baton Rouge. Now with a season of full-time starting experience under his belt, the Lake Charles native is looking to take a big step forward in his second season as QB1.
He has the weapons to do so, as LSU's WR room is among the most talented in the country. Aaron Anderson, last season's leading receiver, is back along with a talented mix of newcomers that includes Barion Brown, Destyn Hill, Nic Anderson, and TE Bauer Sharp. Returners Chris Hilton Jr. and Kyle Parker can also put up big numbers in 2025. Following Nussmeier's leadership, this LSU passing attack has the potential to be elite.