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 SEC—even amid the hype surrounding Texas phenom Arch Manning.
🌟 Kelly’s Take: Experience Beats Hype
During a recent appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay Podcast, Kelly highlighted the difference between raw talent and proven performance:
- “Nussmeier has seen it. He knows what he’s going to get,” Kelly said. “There’s a confidence he’ll bring each and every game through experience, maybe even through some scar tissue…”
- He acknowledged Manning’s talent—calling him “extremely talented”—but emphasized that true leadership emerges under fire, particularly in the challenging environment of the SEC.
📊 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:
“Now, 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 to… But I’ll take the guy that’s been in the SEC and seen what it looks like.”
🧠 Why It Matters
- SEC Experience
Kelly underscored the importance of having a quarterback “who’s been in the SEC,” facing tough defenses week in, week out. - Resilience Under Pressure
Nussmeier’s proven ability to rally his team after adversity—punctuated by his calm in high-pressure moments—gives 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.
📣 Voices from Every Side
Reddit’s r/CFB community largely backed Kelly’s ranking:
“If you had to choose between Arch and Nussmeier, you would 1000% choose Nussmeier. Like, not even a question for me right now.”
Despite the buzz around Manning’s pedigree and hype, Kelly’s endorsement adds real credibility to the LSU quarterback room—especially given the Tigers’ ambitions for a national title run.
🔜 What’s Next?
- Garrett Nussmeier, returning as LSU’s full-time starter, begins offseason drills today with eyes on November’s 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 debate—but until then, Kelly’s vote goes to the guy he trusts more: Garrett Nussmeier.
