The LSU Tigers, once seen as a potential College Football Playoff contender, find themselves grappling with a three-game losing streak and major uncertainty at quarterback. In recent weeks, the team has suffered crushing losses to Texas A&M, Alabama, and Florida, being outscored 107-52. While much of the scrutiny has been directed toward head coach Brian Kelly, an equally pressing concern looms over the quarterback position, with Garrett Nussmeier’s inconsistent performances raising serious questions about the future.
Nussmeier’s Decline
Garrett Nussmeier’s recent performances have left LSU in a precarious spot. Over the course of the season, he has thrown 11 interceptions and fumbled four times, consistently placing the football—and his team—in jeopardy. His struggles were particularly glaring in the Tigers’ 27-16 defeat to Florida, where his poor decision-making and turnovers proved costly.
Statistically, Nussmeier’s SEC performances have been underwhelming:
Passing yards: 1,759
Touchdowns: 9
Interceptions: 8
Completion rate: 56%
Rushing yards: -51
The game against Florida marked a turning point when former Vanderbilt transfer AJ Swann replaced Nussmeier late in the matchup, signaling a potential shift in the Tigers’ quarterback hierarchy.
Exploring Immediate Alternatives
With LSU now out of the playoff and SEC title races, the coaching staff faces a decision: stick with Nussmeier or explore other options to prepare for the future. AJ Swann’s brief appearance against Florida has fueled speculation about his potential as a short-term solution. Additionally, true freshman Colin Hurley could get an opportunity to showcase his talents, allowing LSU to evaluate their quarterback room for 2025.
If the Tigers decide to make a change, it could serve as an audition for both Swann and Hurley to prove themselves as viable alternatives. With three games remaining, LSU has a unique opportunity to experiment with its depth chart and gather valuable insights for the upcoming offseason.
The Bryce Underwood Factor
A significant element in LSU’s quarterback conversation is the arrival of five-star recruit Bryce Underwood, who is set to enroll in December. Widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 class, Underwood has been heralded as the future of the LSU program.
The Tigers must decide how to integrate Underwood into their plans. Should he step into the starting role immediately, or would a transitional quarterback help ease his transition?
This decision could have ripple effects for the current quarterbacks on LSU’s roster:
Nussmeier: If the staff views Underwood as the immediate starter, Nussmeier may opt to enter the transfer portal, unwilling to serve as a placeholder.
Swann: As a veteran transfer, Swann might offer stability in a transitional role, giving Underwood time to acclimate.
Hurley: While raw, Hurley’s potential could make him a bridge option if LSU chooses to delay Underwood’s debut.
Long-Term Implications
LSU’s quarterback conundrum extends beyond the current season. With Underwood’s arrival on the horizon, the Tigers need to carefully consider how their decisions now will shape the program’s trajectory. Key questions include:
1. Can Nussmeier salvage his season and retain his role in 2025? His NFL draft stock has been slipping, and his performances in the final games will be pivotal.
2. Is Swann a reliable option for the short term? His experience could provide a steadying presence while Underwood develops.
3. How quickly can Underwood adjust to college football? His talent is undeniable, but starting a true freshman carries inherent risks.
The transfer portal also looms as a potential solution. If LSU decides that none of its current quarterbacks fit the bill, pursuing a high-profile transfer could bridge the gap to Underwood’s era.
Kelly’s Role in LSU’s Future
The quarterback dilemma is only one facet of a broader challenge facing Brian Kelly. After high expectations early in the season, the Tigers’ recent struggles have raised concerns about the program’s direction. Kelly must navigate these murky waters carefully, as his ability to stabilize the team will influence LSU’s competitiveness in 2025 and beyond.
The quarterback decision will be central to LSU’s resurgence—or continued stagnation. Getting this right could cement Kelly’s legacy, while missteps might lead to further setbacks for a program hungry for national relevance.
What’s Next for LSU?
As the Tigers close out the 2024 season, the final games will serve as a testing ground for their quarterbacks. The coaching staff’s willingness to experiment with Swann, Hurley, or even Nussmeier will offer valuable clues about LSU’s future plans. Meanwhile, the impending arrival of Bryce Underwood adds an intriguing layer to the Tigers’ long-term outlook.
The pressure is on for LSU to make a decisive move. With so much at stake, the Tigers’ quarterback decision could shape the program’s destiny for years to come.
