Breaking:In a heartfelt and emotional statement earlier today, LSU tigers Head Coach Brian Keith Kelly spoke on the retirement of long-time QB Garrett nussmeier, who announced that he would be stepping away from the game after an illustrious career with the team, LSU tigers Fans in tears….see more
Breaking:In a heartfelt and emotional statement earlier today, LSU tigers Head Coach Brian Keith Kelly spoke on the retirement of long-time QB Garrett nussmeier, who announced that he would be stepping away from the game after an illustrious career with the team, LSU tigers Fans in tears….see more
Baton Rouge, LA – June 1, 2025 — In a moment that has taken the LSU Tigers community by surprise, veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier officially announced his retirement from college football earlier today. The announcement, made via a personal video shared on social media, was met with waves of emotion across the LSU fan base. Moments later, LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly addressed the press in a heartfelt statement, praising the quarterback’s impact both on and off the field.
For LSU faithful, this isn’t just the end of a playing career — it’s the closing of a defining chapter in the Tigers’ football history.
Garrett Nussmeier, the redshirt junior who took over the reins of the LSU offense during the 2023 season, quickly earned respect for his leadership, resilience, and fierce competitive spirit. Though he began his career as a backup behind Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier’s patience and work ethic paid off as he developed into one of the most respected quarterbacks in the SEC.
During his LSU career, Nussmeier threw for over 7,500 yards and 50 touchdowns orchestrating comeback wins, bowl game victories, and delivering high-level performances against top-tier opponents like Alabama and Georgia. But beyond the stats, it was his unwavering loyalty to the program that stood out.
At a press conference held inside LSU Football Operations Center, Coach Brian Kelly was visibly emotional as he reflected on Nussmeier’s career and the legacy he leaves behind.
This is more than just losing a player. We’re saying goodbye to a young man who has embodied what LSU football is all about,” Kelly said. “Garrett gave everything he had to this program — he stayed when others transferred, he led through adversity, and he never made it about himself.
Kelly shared that Nussmeier had approached him earlier in the week to privately discuss his decision. The quarterback cited a combination of long-term physical health concerns and a desire to pursue opportunities off the field as his reasons for stepping away.
He wants to be around the game — just not playing it anymore,” Kelly added. “And whatever Garrett chooses next, he’ll be great at it.
LSU fans quickly took to social media with an outpouring of love, using hashtags like ThankYouNuss and Forever LSU. Thousands posted clips of Nussmeier’s signature moments — like his 400-yard performance in the 2024 Citrus Bowl — along with heartfelt messages of thanks.
This one hurts. You were the heart of the Tigers. Thank you, Nuss,” one fan tweeted.
Even former players chimed in, with Joe Burrow writing, “LSU is proud of you, Garrett. That purple and gold runs deep. Good luck in your next chapter.
With Nussmeier’s departure, LSU will look to rising sophomore QB Rickie Collins or incoming 5-star freshman DJ Lockett to lead the team into the 2025 season. Coach Kelly emphasized that the team is in a strong position moving forward but admitted replacing Nussmeier’s leadership won’t be easy.
We’ll move on — we have to,” Kelly said. “But we won’t forget what Garrett meant to this locker room, this campus, and this state.
Garrett Nussmeier may no longer be wearing a helmet or calling plays in Death Valley, but his impact will be felt for years to come. From his infectious energy to his unrelenting loyalty to the purple and gold, he leaves behind a standard for future Tigers to follow.
As Coach Kelly put it best: Garrett didn’t just play quarterback — he carried the soul of LSU Football.
