Garrett Nussmeier Named to Davey O’Brien Award Watchlist, Signaling National Spotlight for LSU’s Next Star Quarterback

The LSU Tigers have long been a breeding ground for elite quarterback talent, and this season, all eyes are on Garrett Nussmeier. The redshirt junior signal-caller has officially been named to the prestigious Davey O’Brien Award watchlist, an early indication that his name is being firmly etched into the national conversation as one of the top quarterbacks in college football heading into the 2025 season. For Nussmeier, the honor is more than just a nod—it’s a validation of his talent, perseverance, and readiness to lead one of college football’s most storied programs back into the championship conversation.

The Davey O’Brien Award, given annually to the nation’s best quarterback, is one of the most coveted individual honors in college football. Past winners include legends such as Joe Burrow, Kyler Murray, and Deshaun Watson—players who didn’t just dominate the college game but also went on to make immediate impacts at the professional level. Being named to the award’s watchlist is not only a recognition of a quarterback’s ability and potential but also a clear sign that national media, analysts, and voters are keeping a close eye on their every move. For Nussmeier, it’s a spotlight he’s been waiting to step into.

Garrett Nussmeier’s journey to this point has been marked by patience, competition, and steady growth. A highly touted recruit coming out of high school, Nussmeier chose LSU with the understanding that earning the starting job in Baton Rouge wouldn’t be easy. He’s sat behind NFL-caliber talent, waited for his opportunity, and continued to grind—improving his mechanics, mastering the playbook, and developing the leadership skills needed to command the huddle on one of college football’s biggest stages. Now, as the undisputed starter, he’s poised to make the most of the opportunity.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly has expressed full confidence in Nussmeier’s ability to lead the offense, praising his poise, arm strength, and football intelligence. Throughout spring practices and summer workouts, Nussmeier has not only taken command of the offense but has also earned the respect of teammates with his work ethic and competitive fire. Coaches have raved about his ability to make all the throws, read defenses pre-snap, and extend plays with his athleticism when necessary. Simply put, he has the tools to thrive in the SEC and beyond.

Nussmeier’s inclusion on the Davey O’Brien watchlist places him among an elite group of quarterbacks from across the country. These are players who are not just stat leaders but true game-changers—quarterbacks who can take over in clutch moments, guide their teams to victory against top-tier opponents, and elevate the play of everyone around them. Nussmeier, with his blend of natural talent and refined skill set, fits the mold. His accuracy, deep-ball touch, and ability to move within the pocket make him a threat on every snap, and LSU fans are eager to see how he handles the full-time starting role under the pressure of SEC defenses and national expectations.

The 2025 season presents a massive opportunity for Nussmeier and the Tigers. With a strong supporting cast that includes elite receivers, a solid offensive line, and a deep running back corps, the LSU offense is built to put up points. The key variable is how well Nussmeier can operate the system, maintain consistency, and deliver in high-pressure situations. Games against Alabama, Texas, and Florida loom large, and each will serve as a measuring stick—not only for LSU’s playoff aspirations but for Nussmeier’s candidacy for postseason awards like the Davey O’Brien.

Being named to the watchlist this early also opens the door for Nussmeier to enter the Heisman Trophy conversation, should he post the kind of numbers that have come to define modern elite quarterbacks. With LSU’s high-powered offense and the national exposure that comes with playing in prime-time games nearly every week, the stage is set for him to break out in a major way. Quarterbacks at LSU are no strangers to the limelight—just ask Joe Burrow, who went from transfer prospect to record-setting Heisman winner and No. 1 overall NFL draft pick in the span of a single season.

For Nussmeier, that story is not just inspirational—it’s instructive. Like Burrow, he brings a level of maturity and grit to the position that sets him apart. Coaches have described him as a student of the game, someone who’s constantly watching film, asking questions, and trying to find any edge he can. That kind of mental preparation, paired with his physical gifts, makes him a quarterback to fear—and one who can guide LSU back to national prominence.

The Davey O’Brien Award selection committee clearly sees that potential, which is why Nussmeier now finds himself alongside the likes of USC’s freshman phenom, Michigan’s returning playoff hero, and Georgia’s dual-threat leader. To rise above that group and win the award will require not just talent, but consistency, leadership, and the ability to win big games. Fortunately for LSU, that’s exactly what Nussmeier is preparing to do.

Fans across Baton Rouge and the broader LSU community are already buzzing with excitement. Nussmeier’s presence at the helm brings a sense of stability and optimism to the program. After years of QB turnover and uncertainty following Burrow’s historic 2019 campaign, the Tigers believe they finally have their next star. And if Nussmeier’s name ends up on the Davey O’Brien finalist list at the end of the season, it will be the clearest confirmation yet that LSU football is back in the hunt—not just for awards, but for championships.

As preseason ramps up and fall camp intensifies, Nussmeier will face the usual questions that come with being the starting quarterback at a program like LSU. Can he stay healthy for a full season? Can he maintain composure in hostile environments like Tuscaloosa or Gainesville? Can he elevate his game when it matters most—in the red zone, on third downs, and in the final minutes of tight contests? If he can, LSU will be in a position to contend for the SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth.

Nussmeier has all the ingredients—arm talent, decision-making, mobility, leadership—to be that difference-maker. His performance over the next few months will determine just how high LSU can fly this season. But for now, with his name officially on the Davey O’Brien Award watchlist, one thing is already clear: the college football world is watching Garrett Nussmeier, and the expectations are sky high.

Whether he meets them, exceeds them, or redefines them altogether remains to be seen. But if his journey so far is any indication, LSU’s quarterback is ready for the moment. The spotlight has found him. Now it’s time to shine.