Earlier this season, I wrote a column about fifth-year quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and his 2025 Heisman campaign.
Well, we are about halfway through the season, and my thoughts remain the same. Nussmeier should not be in the conversation of the Heisman in any form, especially after his performance against Ole Miss on Saturday.
With only 197 yards for all four quarters of the game, the performance on the road in Oxford was quite embarrassing. With all the college football world watching, the then-No. 4 team was upset by the then-No. 13 team.
A road win like this could have given Nussmeier a chance to prove that he could get the ball moving against a tougher opponent. He was able to showcase his ability against Southeastern, where he gained over 250 yards.
Unfortunately, Nussmeier against Ole Miss showed that skill was not the reason why he performed well against Southeastern; it was the other team’s defense. In the trip to Oxford against what most considered a “real” SEC opponent for the Tigers, Nussmeier wasn’t able to perform.
While the offense was on the field, Nussmeier seemed to be nervous and not prepared to make any real plays demanded of him.
Now, let’s not just put this all on him; there also needs to be light shed on Joe Sloan and the very questionable play calling. To everyone who watched the game, you likely saw the camera shots of the box where Sloan was sitting, and the shock and upset looks on his face made little sense — he is the one calling the plays.
But still, there is also Nussmeier, who couldn’t execute. With the two put together, it was like a continuously exploding train wreck.
Another frustrating part here is that this coaching staff does not want to take the risk of putting in transfer Michael Van Buren.
The transfer quarterback from Mississippi State started for the Bulldogs last year and finished the season with 1,886 passing yards. He might just be a better option than Nussmeier, and the coaches should see if there’s a secret talent that can be unlocked for the remainder of the season.
The schedule will only get more challenging in the SEC, and the Nuss Bus has driven off the cliff and is in the rocks right now. Maybe there will be a revival of Nussmeier during the bye week with a week of rest.
As of now, though, my opinion still stands that Nussmeier is probably even further away from a true Heisman campaign that could be even remotely successful. Unless God himself comes down and blesses Nussmeier with a new set of talent, his Heisman campaign is cooked.
