Baton Rouge knows what it’s like to lose a Heisman-winning quarterback.
The fans know what it’s like to ride the highest highs, seeing a great playmaker take an offense and turn it into a highlight reel. They’ve witnessed second-string backups turn into Heisman winners.
But, with that success also comes knowing what happens next: change.
In 2020, it was seeing Joe Burrow go onto the Bengals and Myles Brennan step in. Now, the city says goodbye to Jayden Daniels, and change is here again.
The new starter, however, is no stranger to Baton Rouge.
Garrett Nussmeier, in his third season with the Tigers, has waited patiently for his moment in the spotlight. He appeared in 18 games and had a solid bowl-game performance against Wisconsin last season, throwing 395 yards with three touchdowns.
He’ll have his first starting debut against USC on Sunday in a highly anticipated week-one matchup in Las Vegas.
With his experience in the purple and gold, Nussmeier has taken away some worry from head coach Brian Kelly.
“I would say that having a quarterback that has been in the system for the last couple of years and knows what it looks like, what it’s like to be in an SEC battle, and has played in a game against a pretty darn good defense,” Kelly said. “I think those things make you feel a little bit more at ease going into these games.”
LSU’s offense returns formidable talent, but change occurred in more areas than just the quarterback position.
The Tigers promoted quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan to offensive coordinator this offseason. New co-offensive coordinator Cortez Hankton has also been with LSU’s offense, most recently as a passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.
Looking at LSU’s receivers, Kyren Lacy has the potential to be the best in the conference. He led the offense in yards per catch last season with 18.6.
The Tigers lost two talented receivers in the 2024 draft. To replace them, LSU has redshirt sophomore Aaron Anderson who appeared in 11 games last season and recruited Liberty transfer CJ Daniels. Both will be key in putting up a strong pass attack.
Wide receiver Chris Hilton, who’s questionable for Sunday’s game because of an ankle bone bruise, will be a threat on the outside this season.
While these are notable names in the receiver’s room, Sloan said this position has depth, and guys can be moved around.
“There’s more than just those three (Lacy, Daniels, Hilton) who have been flashing in different ways,” Sloan said in a press conference during fall camp. “It’s definitely a fun three guys, but I think it goes much deeper than those three.”
The tight ends offer more pass options for LSU this season, and the Tigers have the opportunity to use 12 or 13 personnel.
Tight end Mason Taylor is the returning leader in receptions, but Ka’Morreun Pimpton and Trey’Dez Green also offer versatile playmaking as blockers and receivers.
“That group is one of the most exciting groups on our football team,” Sloan said in a press conference.
Last season, LSU’s offensive attack stemmed from Jayden Daniels and running back Logan Diggs’ rushing ability.
Without a scrambling quarterback like Daniels, the running backs will see an increase in workload.
Sophomore running back Kaleb Jackson is physical with speed. Last year, he trucked a Mississippi State defender in one of his first games. While the Tigers have the ability to change out rushers, Jackson will be necessary to break through defenses and create explosive runs.
Running back Josh Williams, who was a part of the 2019 national championship team, had 14 receptions last season and can be another target for Nussmeier.
The success of these running backs begins with the offensive line, and LSU has one of the most talented fronts to open gaps and protect the quarterback.
Left tackle Will Campbell will likely be a top-10 pick in the 2025 draft, and left guard Garret Dellinger is a versatile lineman who can play all over the offensive line.
The only new starter on the line is redshirt freshman DJ Chester. He can play center and guard for the Tigers.
Right tackle Emery Jones Jr. is forceful on the line and mirrors Campbell’s attack on the other side.
Having one of the best offensive lines is crucial for a new starting quarterback who is building consistency in the pocket.
This offense is mixed with new starters and experienced returners. While Baton Rouge got used to cheering for the No. 1 offense in the country last year, these changes offer hope for another promising season.
Nussmeier and the rest of the offense will prove their mettle on Sunday, and first impressions mean everything.
