LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly made headlines this week by reaffirming his support for veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, labeling him the best returning signal-caller in the SECโeven amid the hype surrounding Texas phenom Arch Manning.
๐ Kelly’s Take: Experience Beats Hype
During a recent appearance on ESPNโs College GameDay Podcast, Kelly highlighted the difference between raw talent and proven performance:
- โNussmeier has seen it. He knows what he’s going to get,โ Kelly said. โThere’s a confidence he’ll bring each and every game through experience, maybe even through some scar tissueโฆโ
- He acknowledged Manning’s talentโcalling him โextremely talentedโโbut emphasized that true leadership emerges under fire, particularly in the challenging environment of the SEC.
๐ Performance on the Field
Kelly’s choice comes backed by powerful stats:
- Nussmeier tossed for an impressive 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024, directing LSU to multiple late-game comebacks, including a 13-play, 75-yard rally against Ole Miss
- In contrast, Arch Manning has just two career starts under his belt (ULM and Mississippi State in 2024), accumulating 939 yards, nine TDs, and two picks
Kelly remains pragmatic:
โNow, Manning is extremely talented. But he’s got to go do it. There’s going to be days where it doesn’t come out the way it’s supposed toโฆ But I’ll take the guy that’s been in the SEC and seen what it looks like.โ
๐ง Why It Matters
- SEC Experience
Kelly underscored the importance of having a quarterback โwho’s been in the SEC,โ facing tough defenses week in, week out. - Resilience Under Pressure
Nussmeierโs proven ability to rally his team after adversityโpunctuated by his calm in high-pressure momentsโgives him a distinct edge. - Scar Tissue = Strength
Kelly notes that experience, especially the hard lessons, breeds the kind of mental fortitude essential in critical game situations.
๐ฃ Voices from Every Side
Redditโs r/CFB community largely backed Kellyโs ranking:
โIf you had to choose between Arch and Nussmeier, you would 1000% choose Nussmeier. Like, not even a question for me right now.โ
Despite the buzz around Manningโs pedigree and hype, Kellyโs endorsement adds real credibility to the LSU quarterback roomโespecially given the Tigers’ ambitions for a national title run.
๐ Whatโs Next?
- Garrett Nussmeier, returning as LSUโs full-time starter, begins offseason drills today with eyes on Novemberโs SEC Championship.
- Arch Manning will lead Texas in a tough opener against Ohio State and continues preparing to justify his Heisman buzz.
- A potential SEC showdown between LSU and the Longhorns could settle the debateโbut until then, Kellyโs vote goes to the guy he trusts more: Garrett Nussmeier.
