Will Garrett Nussmeier Start vs. Arkansas After Benching? LSU HC Gives Update

After being benched against Alabama last week, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier could be back under center this week.

Per Shea Dixon of On3 Sports, Nussmeier will be listed as "probable" for Saturday's contest against Arkansas after facing a setback in practice on Thursday.

"It's a little bit concerning," interim head coach Frank Wilson said. "It's something we need to watch with him heading into the game."

Nussmeier came into the 2025 campaign with Heisman Trophy hopes after a tremendous 2024 season, but things haven't gone the way he expected. In nine games, he's thrown for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Wilson benched Nussmeier last week after he threw for 121 yards in a 20-9 loss to the Crimson Tide. Sophomore quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. stepped in under center, throwing for 52 yards on 5-of-11 passing.

"As we discussed as a staff, we knew there could be opportunities in the quarterback run game," Wilson told reporters after the game. "(Alabama) would make it more difficult sitting in the pocket. We wanted to move (Van Buren) around and do some things. I thought that he gave us a chance to do those things. That went into the thought."

After Wilson took over following Brian Kelly's firing, he said he didn't plan to bench Nussmeier, but that changed amid struggles against Alabama. Wilson was noncommittal about who would start for the Tigers against Arkansas.

Nussmeier was dealing with an abdominal strain earlier this season, and there were rumors about him undergoing surgery, though Kelly shut down that speculation.

"That's misinformation," Kelly said in October. "Those are not based on any facts. They're quite silly, actually. This is misinformation."

Regardless of who is under center on Saturday, LSU will look to get back in the win column after three consecutive losses. A win would also help the Tigers secure bowl eligibility.