Garrett Nussmeier Won't Be Benched by LSU After Brian Kelly's Firing, Interim HC Says

Garrett Nussmeier will remain LSU's starting quarterback following the dismissal of head coach Brian Kelly.

Interim coach Frank Wilson said he's sticking with Nussmeier for the Tigers' next game against No. 4 Alabama. Backup Michael Van Buren Jr. could be a situational option, though:

Van Buren replaced Nussmeier midway through the 49-25 loss to Texas A&M, which proved to be Kelly's final game in charge. There were only six minutes left, and LSU had no hope of a comeback. Still, Nussmeier didn't seem to take the QB change well.

Texas A&M Aggies - LSU Tigers Highlights

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A coach in Wilson's position has compelling reasons to go either way with who starts moving forward.

Nussmeier hasn't played up to expectations. He has 1,806 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions through the air. Still, the fifth-year senior possesses a clear edge in experience over Van Buren, a sophomore who logged 10 appearances for Mississippi State in 2024.

Leaning on the steady hand makes sense if Wilson is focused largely on a strong finish in 2025.

Having said that, the 51-year-old will be a lame duck if LSU's administrators prefer replacing Kelly with a coach who has a similar profile or somebody on the rise from a smaller program.

When he's unlikely to get the permanent job, Wilson can go down swinging and experiment with the personnel.

Giving Van Buren more exposure would also be helpful toward figuring out LSU's quarterback room for 2026 and making it less likely he re-enters the portal.

Starting Nussmeier while utilizing Van Buren in specific sets could give the Tigers the best of both worlds. Should the former continue to struggle, though, the fanbase may push to see the latter get the keys to the offense.