LSU's Garrett Nussmeier Benched for Michael Van Buren Jr., Full Scouting Report

LSU benched quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the third quarter of the team's 20-9 loss to No. 4 Alabama on Saturday night.

The Tigers trailed 17-6 at the time of Nussmeier's benching, with sophomore Michael Van Buren Jr. taking over under center.

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson was noncommittal regarding the team's starting quarterback moving forward after the game, per CBS Sports' John Talty.

Van Buren was described as a "battle-tested prep quarterback" by 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins, using his "explosive lower half" to avoid pressure and possessing the ability to generate "plenty of velocity" with his arm.

He's shown that he can connect on deep throws but is also "prone to take some risks," per Ivins.

247Sports national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn described Van Buren as a "strong leader" who can "make off-platform throws with accuracy."

He previously started at Mississippi State for the final eight games of the 2024 season, completing 54.7 percent of his throws for 1,886 yards and 11 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. Van Buren also found the end zone five times on the ground.

He eventually transferred to LSU in Dec. 2024.

Van Buren appeared in two contests with the Tigers prior to Saturday's action, going 13-of-16 for 172 yards and two touchdowns without getting picked off.

Nussmeier wasn't able to consistently lead LSU down the field before he was benched against the Crimson Tide, completing 18 of his 21 pass attempts for 121 yards.

He also fumbled the ball in the first quarter, allowing Alabama to take an early 3-0 lead.

Nussmeier has dealt with ball security issues as of late, tossing three interceptions across his past four games. LSU owns a 1-3 record over that stretch, with head coach Brian Kelly getting fired on Oct. 26.

Van Buren ultimately wasn't able to help the Tigers bounce back against Alabama, as they fell to 5-4 with a 2-4 record against SEC opponents.