Introduction
When Garrett Nussmeier, the starting quarterback for the LSU Tigers, was benched during a pivotal game, it sent ripples through the college-football world. Many fans, analysts and draft watchers wondered: Why is he not playing? What went wrong?
In this article we unpack the situation in detail — from the backdrop of his career, the specific game and moment in which he was pulled, the reasons behind the decision, and what it means for his future.
Background: Who is Garrett Nussmeier?
Garrett Nussmeier is a fifth-year senior quarterback for LSU. He was born February 7, 2002 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He played high school ball at Edward S. Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas, where he put up strong numbers, and then committed to LSU to play under the intense spotlight of SEC football.
In his earlier seasons, Nussmeier saw action off the bench, built up experience, and then assumed the starting role in 2024, posting over 4,000 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in that season.
He returned for 2025 with high expectations—both for the Tigers and with an eye toward the NFL draft.
The Benching: What Happened?
The Game & Moment
In the 2025 season, LSU faced off against the ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (No. 4). In that game, Nussmeier was pulled during the third quarter in favor of backup Michael Van Buren Jr.. According to the report, the decision came after a 14-yard sack. The Tigers were trailing 17-6 and the offense had stalled.
Though he had started the season with promise, this game revealed some cracks. The offensive line failed to establish the run game and allowed pressure, which compromised Nussmeier’s rhythm and decision-making.
What The Reports Say
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He entered the game seemingly well, but the combination of sacks, poor yardage, stalled drives and visible coach frustration made the difference.
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On one key drive in the red zone, he faced minimal rush yet took a big loss—this was highlighted as a turning point.
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The coaching staff, under new interim leadership after the previous coach’s departure, appeared ready to make a change and show accountability.
Why Was He Benched?
Several factors contributed to the decision to bench Nussmeier:
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Offensive line & run game breakdown
Even a talented QB needs protection and balance. Against Alabama, LSU’s run game was essentially non-existent, which allowed the defense to focus heavily on the pass. Nussmeier got hit early and often. -
Stalled drives and poor situational execution
The sack that backed LSU out of red-zone scoring position was cited as a catalyst. The staff reportedly lost confidence in his decision-making for that sequence. -
Pressure and performance decline
Reports suggest that Nussmeier has looked “jittery in the pocket” at times during the season, especially when forced into hero-ball due to lack of support. -
Coaching change & organizational shift
With the departure of longtime head coach Brian Kelly and new interim leadership, the culture is shifting. The benching may reflect a broader message from the staff: performance accountability and change.
What Does This Mean For Nussmeier’s Future?
Immediate implications
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He may lose remaining playing time if the coaching staff decides a change is needed for the rest of the season.
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His draft stock could suffer. A benching, especially under such visible circumstances, raises questions about durability, poise under pressure, and leadership—traits scouts evaluate heavily.
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It puts the spotlight on backups (like Van Buren), who may now be auditioning for a more long-term role.
Longer-term outlook
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If Nussmeier regroups, shows composure and leads the offense successfully in coming games, this benching could become a turning-point story rather than a setback.
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But if he continues to struggle, we may see a transition—either within LSU (moving him to a lesser role) or in his decision to move on (transfer portal, early draft, etc).
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From a draft perspective: scouts will ask, “Why was he benched?” and “Can he lead in adverse conditions?” His answers on the field from here on will matter.
Why He’s Not Playing (Right Now)
Note: It’s important to distinguish between “benched” and “injury”. Reports do not indicate that Nussmeier is unavailable because of injury. The benching is a performance/strategic decision.
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No major injury was listed in connection with the benching. The decision came mid-game.
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His absence from later portions of the game is due to the coaching change, not a formal medical issue.
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From now on, his playing time will depend on how the coaching staff assesses his performance, confidence, and team fit.
How Fans & Analysts Are Reacting
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Some feel sympathy for Nussmeier: the offensive line has been weak, the run game nonexistent, and he’s been put in tough spots. On Reddit one commenter wrote:
“Nussmeier’s issue isn’t his talent, it’s that he gets murdered in the pocket because his left and right tackles are freshman.”
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Others believe this benching reflects a necessary shake-up for a program that expected more from its offense.
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Draft analysts will use this moment to probe whether Nussmeier can handle adversity, maintain leadership, and be ready for the next level.
Key Takeaways
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Garrett Nussmeier was benched by LSU during the Alabama game mainly due to performance issues, particularly a disastrous red-zone drive, sacks, pocket pressure and stalled offense.
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The decision appears strategic rather than injury-related.
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This moment could be a turning point: either a catalyst for improvement or the beginning of a decline in role.
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From a career standpoint, Nussmeier must respond strongly in his next opportunities to keep his draft hopes alive and preserve his standing at LSU.
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For LSU’s offense and team morale, the benching sends a clear message: no guaranteed starting job, and accountability is in place.
FAQ Section
Q1. Why exactly was Garrett Nussmeier benched?
A1. He was benched mid-game because of a combination of sacks, failed drives (including a big red-zone loss), a stagnant run game allowing heavy pass-rush pressure, and visible frustration from the coaching staff.
Q2. Was Nussmeier injured?
A2. No credible reports link the benching to a significant injury. The decision appears to be based on performance and strategy, not health.
Q3. Does this benching mean he is no longer the starter at LSU?
A3. Not necessarily — but it puts his status in jeopardy. The coaching staff may reevaluate who gives the team the best chance moving forward, and Nussmeier will have to regain trust and consistency.
Q4. How does this affect his NFL draft stock?
A4. Negatively in the short term. A mid-game benching raises questions about resilience, leadership, decision-making under pressure—especially important for quarterbacks. If he rebounds well, he can mitigate the damage.
Q5. What should fans watch for in the next games?
A5.
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Whether Nussmeier gets the next start and how he performs.
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The offensive line and run game improvement (key to his success).
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Coaching comments about his role and confidence level.
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How the backup (Michael Van Buren Jr.) performs and whether the staff leans into a change.
Q6. Could Nussmeier transfer or relinquish his starting role permanently?
A6. It’s possible. If playing time becomes uncertain or if the staff signals a new direction, he may explore transfer options or other career moves. For now, staying and proving himself remains the likeliest path. Garrett Nussmeier benched.
Final Thoughts
This moment in Garrett Nussmeier’s career is significant. It reflects the high stakes of playing quarterback at a major program like LSU, where expectations are lofty and margins for error are slim. Being benched is not the end — it can be a wake-up call, a turning point, or a pivot. What matters now is how he responds: whether he uses this as motivation, addresses weaknesses (pocket awareness, processing pressure, working with an under-performing line), and reclaims his role with conviction and leadership.
