As the 2025 College Football season approaches, scouts and analysts are starting to dive into each team making their predictions for the season and predicting who may take the next step. The LSU Football team has College Football Playoff expectations in part because of their additions in the transfer portal this offseason. The biggest reason why LSU could be a College Football Playoff team is the fact that the Tigers return quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for his second season.
In his first season as the Tigers starting quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier completed 64.2% of his passes for 4,052 yards with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while rushing for another 3 touchdowns. As Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels made massive second year leaps before him, Nussmeier is being projected to make a similar leap which would be an incredible development for LSU.
As Nussmeier enters his final season of eligibility, NFL Draft Analysts are starting to evaluate Garrett Nussmeier which gives the fans great insight into where the Tigers signal caller may land. On his podcast "The McShay Show", Todd McShay broke down Garrett Nussmeier's game comparing him to a former Heisman winner.
Todd McShay sees Baker Mayfield parallels in Garrett Nussmeier
Last week, Todd McShay scouted Garrett Nussmeier where he came away feeling as if Nussmeier compares to Baker Mayfield.
"What a thrill ride man, when I opened this up and said like certain prospects speak to you, the tape speaks to you. Some guys you're watching it and kind of grinding through it and you're looking at it thinking what's he going to do next. This was like this games over, every game was telling a story to me, and I'm like what's next, how's he going to respond next week. It was so much Baker Mayfield, the thrill ride, the ups, the downs."Todd McShay
McShay's Co-Host Steve Meunch agreed with the take calling it the best comparison that McShay has ever had.
In certain aspects of Garrett Nussmeier's game, the similarities to Baker Mayfield couldn't be any clearer. Both quarterbacks have the same swagger and confidence where it doesn't matter if they just threw an interception, if they think they can make a risky throw they're taking it without any doubt in their minds.
For LSU, if Garrett Nussmeier can hit the level of production Mayfield had at Oklahoma, the Tigers will certainly make the College Football Playoff while they could easily win the National Championship. Nussmeier now has a full season of experience under his belt and will have a supporting cast around him which will allow him to take that next step. Where Nussmeier should look to take the next step is with the level of mobility Mayfield has as neither is the fastest runner but, Mayfield was constantly able to take advantage when the defense gave him a path to run.
The 2025 season will be defined by Garrett Nussmeier's ability to take the next step leading this team and all of the National praise he's garnering are great signs for the Tigers.