Garrett Nussmeier entered the 2025 season with high expectations as a Heisman favorite and a potential top NFL draft pick. His senior season was ultimately defined by a persistent injury that hampered his performance and cut his season short.
After beginning with a top-3 ranking and a statement win over Clemson, LSU unraveled into a 7-6 finish. Though Nussmeier can’t be entirely blamed for that disappointing season, he made sure to apologize from his side.
“Obviously, very thankful for the fan base and the way people have treated me over the last five years here,”Nussmeier said on the LSU Pro Day on Monday. “Obviously, this last year didn’t go the way we wanted it to or the way we had hoped, and I’m sorry that we couldn’t reach those expectations. As frustrating as it was for you all, I understand. It was just as frustrating for me and for the guys in this building.
“It was a tough year, a lot of adversity, a lot of things I had to go through. Ultimately, looking back on it, it was unfortunate, but it is going to make me a better player. Again, I love LSU. I’ll always be a Tiger, always bleed purple and gold. I’m going to do my best to represent those three letters in the next level.”
Garrett Nussmeier Says “Sorry” as He Reflects on LSU’s Disappointing 2025 Season
Garrett Nussmeier Says “Sorry” as He Reflects on LSU’s Disappointing 2025 Season (Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Nussmeier started the first nine games of the season, leading LSU to a 5-4 record during that stretch before being sidelined for the remainder of the year. He finished the season completing 194 of 288 passes (67.4% completion rate) for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He averaged 214.1 yards per game, a significant drop from his 311.7 average in 2024.
Garrett Nussmeier Opens Up on Health Update Following Last Season’s Injury
Nussmeier dealt with an abdominal injury on the second day of fall camp last season, but since the end of the regular season, his stock has seen a resurgence as he proved he is back to full health. He was named the 2026 Senior Bowl MVP in February, and he also showed full readiness on Monday.
Nussmeier participated in all passing drills, completing 69 of 72 passes to his receivers and tight ends.
“I’m feeling pretty good, getting back to being myself,”Nussmeier said, via Prep Redzone Louisiana’s Jerit Roser. “It’s been obviously a long process.”
Nussmeier is often ranked as the QB3 in the 2026 class. He is projected to be a late 1st to 2nd round pick, with teams like the Los Angeles Rams frequently linked to him as a potential successor to Matthew Stafford.