Introduction
When discussing rising college football stars, the name Garrett Nussmeier inevitably comes up. The quarterback for the LSU Tigers has generated significant interest with his performance, potential, and the questions surrounding his health. In this article we’ll explore: how old he is, his injury status (especially the latest updates about his torso and knee), his ESPN profile, and what all this means for LSU’s season and his prospects.
Age and Background
Garrett Nussmeier was born on February 7, 2002.
That means as of 2025, he is 23 years old (soon to turn 24 in early 2026). His hometown is Lake Charles, Louisiana.
He stands around 6 ft 1in and weighs about 205 lbs.
Growing up in a football-centric family, his father, Doug Nussmeier, is a former NFL quarterback and coach.
Having this background has contributed to his development and the high expectations on him.
Profile on ESPN and College Career Highlights
According to ESPN, he is the quarterback (#18) for LSU, is listed as Senior class, and is active with no current “out” status.
Some of his key stat lines:
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In the 2024 season, he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns.
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For the 2025 season (to date) he has thrown for 1,806 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions as shown on ESPN.
His return for another season at LSU came after being seen as a potential first-round pick.
That means the stakes are high both for his collegiate legacy and his path to the NFL.
Injury Status: What’s Really Going On?
When talking about Garrett Nussmeier’s health, the headlines have raised many questions. Let’s break it down.
Torso Injury
In September 2025, LSU head coach Brian Kelly confirmed that Nussmeier is dealing with a torso injury, sustained during fall camp. He noted the QB has been “slowed a little bit … fighting through it” but is expected to play and not miss games.
The coaching staff said they plan to manage the issue through practice leading up to LSU’s bye week.
Knee / Patellar Tendinitis
Earlier rumors had floated that he suffered a much more serious knee injury (like a torn ACL). However, those turned out to be unfounded. Coach Kelly publicly dispelled those rumors, stating the issue was patellar tendinitis, rating its severity as about 1.5/10, and said the QB does not have a torn ACL.
An LSU insider confirmed that the major-injury rumors were “fake news.”
Rumor Management & Actual Status
It’s worth noting that some initial social media reports claimed Nussmeier was carted off the field. Those remain unverified, and program sources clarified the matter.
As of now, he’s actively playing, though the coaching staff is increasing caution in his workload (e.g., limiting heavy throwing in practice) to protect against aggravating the torso/knee issues. Garrett Nussmeier injury.
Did He Get Hurt? The Short Answer
Yes — he has been dealing with injury issues (torso, prior knee tendinitis) but no, he did not suffer a season-ending catastrophic injury. The publicized rumors of a torn ACL or major knee damage were false.
His status can be summarised as: “playing through injury, expected to continue as starting QB for LSU.”
Coach Kelly’s quotes support that:
“He’s been slowed a little bit … he’s fighting through it … not going to be able to shut it down until the bye week.”
What This Means for LSU and His Future
For LSU this season
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With Nussmeier at the helm, LSU’s offense has high expectations, particularly coming off a productive 2024 season.
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The injury caveat means that LSU may need to adjust his workload, protect him in practice, and possibly adapt the play-calling if he’s not at full strength.
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If he remains healthy and effective, it boosts LSU’s chances in the competitive SEC. But lingering or aggravated issues could hamper performance down the stretch.
For His NFL Outlook
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Nussmeier has been on the radar as an NFL prospect. Injuries can always raise questions among scouts and teams about durability and long-term health.
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The fact that the more serious injury rumors were false is beneficial—teams typically prefer proven health over ambiguous reports.
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How he finishes the season—statistically, physically, and on the field—could heavily impact his draft projection. Garrett Nussmeier injury.
Career Snapshot & Highlights
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Redshirted in true freshman year after limited play.
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Took over eventually as starter for LSU and led the passing attack.
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For example: in a 2024 game vs. the Nicholls Colonels, he threw 6 touchdowns in a win.
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Has already passed for over 4,000 yards in a season (2024), which demonstrates his productivity.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: How old is Garrett Nussmeier?
A: He was born February 7, 2002, so as of 2025 he is 23 years old.
Q2: What injury is Garrett Nussmeier dealing with?
A: He is currently working through a torso injury sustained during fall camp, and earlier had patellar tendinitis in his knee—but no tear of ACL or major structural damage.
Q3: Did he miss any games because of the injury?
A: No confirmed reports as of now show he missed a game due to the torso injury. LSU’s coaching staff has indicated he is expected to play.
Q4: What are his stats so far this season?
A: For the 2025 season through the current point: approximately 1,806 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions per ESPN.
Q5: Is he a good NFL draft prospect?
A: Yes — he is viewed as a prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft and has been getting considerable attention. But his performance, health, and how he finishes his college career will influence his draft status.
Q6: Which team does he play for and what number is he?
A: He plays for the LSU Tigers (Louisiana State University) and wears number 18. Garrett Nussmeier injury.
Final Thoughts
Garrett Nussmeier is one of the most interesting quarterback stories in college football right now: a talented, well-prepared player with a football pedigree, production, and high expectations. The one cloud on the horizon has been the injury question — primarily the torso issue and previously the knee tendinitis. However, the key takeaway is: while there is an injury concern, the worst-case rumors have been dispelled.
For LSU and for Nussmeier himself, the remaining season is pivotal. If he can stay healthy, perform at a high level, and lead his team to success, his draft stock will likely rise. Conversely, if the injury lingers or his performance dips, the narrative may shift.
