The health of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been a major talking point over the last few weeks. Nussmeier hasn't looked like himself so far this season, as his throwing ability has appeared to be hindered. Nussmeier is struggling to throw the ball down the field and has not been as accurate as he normally is. He especially struggled against Ole Miss in Week 5, throwing for just 197 yards with a touchdown and an intercepton. He has yet to throw for 300+ yards in a game this season, which is something he accomplished eight times in 2024.
Following the Florida game in Week 3, Brian Kelly confirmed that Nussmeier wasn't 100%. The LSU head coach stated that Nussmeier was playing through a torso injury and that he wouldn't be able to shut it down until the bye week. The bye week is here, and Kelly has given an update on Nussmeier's status and shot down certain rumors surrounding his quarterback.
Brian Kelly shoots down Garrett Nussmeier surgery rumors
Kelly clarified that Nussmeier is battling through an ab strain, which has been slow to heal. LSU fans were hoping Nussmeier would be back to 100% for the Ole Miss game after playing just over a half against Southeastern Louisiana in Week 4. But Kelly's recent comments indicate that the Tiger gunslinger is still working through the injury.
Kelly also shot down rumors related to the possibility of surgery for Nussmeier. Rumors of a possible procedure have been circulating online following LSU's 24-19 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday, but Kelly says those rumors are "misinformation."
LSU coach Brian Kelly says QB Garrett Nussmeier had an ab strain, not a core injury, and it's been slow to heal, but he's on the back end of recovery from it.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 1, 2025
Said rumors of Nussmeier needing surgery are "misinformation."
Kelly says that Nussmeier is getting some much-needed rest this week and that he is trending in the right direction. LSU fans are hoping Nussmeier is able to regain his old form, as he was one of the most prolific passers in all of college football a year ago. In a sensational 2024 campaign, Nussmeier ranked 5th in the country with 4,052 passing yards and 10th with 29 touchdown passes. His 337 completions also led the SEC.
So far this season, Nussmeier has totaled just 1,159 passing yards to go along with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. The LSU offense as a whole is still out of whack, as a non-existing running game and poor offensive line play have the Tigers averaging a measly 19.75 points per game against FBS opponents so far this season.
The Tigers are back in action next Saturday, Oct. 11 with a home game against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Shane Beamer's squad owns a 3-2 overall record with a 1-2 mark in SEC play, and is also on a bye week this week.
Brian Kelly said that any rumors of Nussmeier needing surgery is "misinformation."
— Koki Riley (@KokiRiley) October 1, 2025
"He's getting rest this week, and he'll be the Garrett Nussmeier that he needs to be as we get into the very difficult part of the schedule." #LSU