The LSU Tigers entered the season with high expectations, aiming for a College Football Playoff spot under Brian Kelly's leadership in his fourth year. With a strong influx of transfers like Mansoor Delane and AJ Haulcy, alongside returning talents such as Harold Perkins Jr. and Garrett Nussmeier, the excitement was palpable.
However, the season didn't unfold as planned. LSU stumbled against struggling teams like Florida and South Carolina, and then suffered losses to Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M. This disappointing stretch ultimately led to the dismissal of Brian Kelly.
One significant factor in LSU's struggles was Garrett Nussmeier's injury-plagued season. Nussmeier, who had an impressive previous year with over 4,000 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, saw his numbers drop to 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. It was evident to fans that he was playing hurt, yet he continued to take the field even in less critical games against Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana.
At the NFL Combine, Nussmeier opened up about the severity of his injury, which began on the second day of fall camp. He described a stabbing pain in his abdomen every time he threw the ball, significantly impacting his performance.
The revelation sparked frustration among LSU fans, as it became clear that Brian Kelly was aware of the injury but downplayed its seriousness. There's speculation about whether Nussmeier minimized his condition to continue playing or if it was a misjudgment by the coaching staff.
Now, Nussmeier is focused on rebuilding his draft stock, following a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. Once considered a potential first-round pick, he's now working hard to secure a spot on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.