Ex-LSU football QB Garrett Nussmeier reflects on Tigers' 2025 letdown

LSU football's 2025 didn't go the way coaches, fans, or players expected. LSU began the year ranked in the top 10 after signing the top-ranked transfer class and returning veteran QB Garrett Nussmeier. LSU opened the year with a win at Clemson and climbed into the top five in September.

Then it went off the rails. LSU lost to Ole Miss, which began a spiral that included losses to Vanderbilt and Texas A&M, leading to the firing of Brian Kelly. LSU hosted its pro day on Monday, and Nussmeier had a chance to meet with the media and reflect on the season.

"This last year didn't go the way we wanted it to, the way we had hoped, and I'm sorry that we couldn't reach those expectations. You know, as frustrating as it was for y'all, I'm sorry that we couldn't reach those expectations," Nussmeier said. Nussmeier was the Heisman favorite after LSU's win at Clemson, but in the following weeks, it became clear the QB was not himself.

Nussmeier wasn't at full strength with an abdomen injury, and it impacted all aspects of his game. Nussmeier's arm strength was impressive in 2024 and early in his career. In 2025, his passes lacked the same zip.