Garrett Nussmeier making the rare decision has LSU set up perfectly for 2024

Ever since the implementation of the newest transfer rules it's become easy for players who aren't guaranteed significant playing time to enter the transfer portal. The arrival of Brian Kelly brought in Jayden Daniels while quarterback Max Johnson left for Texas A&M. If not for the arrival of Jayden Daniels, Garrett Nussmeier may have taken the reigns of the LSU offense as a true sophomore.

The arrival of Daniels and the turnover of the coaching staff left Nussmeier with a tough decision as he could enter the transfer portal to pursue a starting opportunity or he could stick around and try to beat Daniels out. Daniels won out landing the starting quarterback job and when he decided to return for the 2023 season Nussmeier could have once again transferred but instead, he stayed.

When asked why he chose not to transfer Nussmeier said the following:

"It matters to me to wear this state on my chest. I think it means something to a lot of guys on our team. I was born in Lake Charles. My family is in Lake Charles. Being a kid who moved around so much Louisiana was the only constant in my life and every time I would crossover the border into this state, it felt like home."

- Garrett Nussmeier

The decision by Nussmeier to stay at LSU has the Tigers now set up nearly perfectly for the 2024 season. Over his three seasons in Baton Rouge, Nussmeier has now attempted 219 passes while completing 129 of them for 1,720 yards and 11 touchdowns while throwing 7 interceptions.

If not for the return of Nussmeier, LSU likely would've scrambled for a transfer quarterback or turned the offense over to a first-time starter. The experience of Nussmeier will now help the offense post Jayden Daniels as the talent on the roster is good enough to make the twelve-team playoff. Should Nussmeier have a successful year, he can head to the NFL while if he returns he can serve as the perfect bridge to Bryce Underwood.

Refreshing to see a player stick around

The new norm in college football is to push for a starting job as soon as possible, especially with the ability to transfer immediately. A player sticking around and growing in the system for a few years benefits the player and the team in both sides long term. Players like Nussmeier succeeding after sticking around will only encourage other players to stick around and see the process through.