Breaking: Brian Kelly Shares Strong Praise for Garrett Nussmeier’s LSU Achievement

Garrett Nussmeier earning the No. 18 jersey this year is a powerful sign of how far he’s come — finally stepping into the leadership role he’s worked toward over the past four years. “I like that we’ve brought the No. 18 tradition back to the quarterback position. It honors the legacy started by Matt Mauck,” Nussmeier recently told reporters. Since Mauck wore it in 2003, no LSU quarterback has been chosen for the honor — not even Joe Burrow, despite his legendary stats and national title. Now, Nussmeier is not only chasing Burrow’s records but also carrying on a legacy even Burrow didn’t touch.

Nussmeier is the emotional and competitive core of this LSU team. After five years in Baton Rouge, he fully understands what it means to wear the purple and gold. In his first season as a starter, he threw for a staggering 4,043 yards — second only to Burrow’s single-season record. The fact that he’s now earned a jersey number that eluded even Burrow and Jayden Daniels shows just how much the LSU program is placing its trust in him. For Matt Mauck, the honor going back to a quarterback means everything.

Mauck’s own No. 18 has deep roots in LSU history. He was the leader who brought home LSU’s first national title since 1958, ending a 44-year drought. The jersey has since become a symbol of leadership, grit, and being the engine that powers the team. Now, Nussmeier switches from No. 13 to join LSU greats like Tre’Davious White and Mekhi Wingo in the No. 18 club — all after just one full season as QB1. And Mauck is thrilled.

“Absolutely love it! Not only has he been a great player, he stuck with LSU when other kids would have transferred,” Mauck told Preston Guy. “Loyalty and working for something instead of expecting it to be handed to you — that’s rare in today’s college football.”

Loyalty is indeed a loaded word at LSU these days, especially after five-star QB Bryce Underwood chose Michigan over the Tigers. But Nussmeier stayed — even after sitting behind others for three seasons. And now, he’s the face of the program.

“Waited his turn, worked his butt off, and I can’t think of a better No. 18!” Mauck added.

Garrett Nussmeier has clearly earned his place — and with elite names like Arch Manning and Cade Klubnik in the national conversation, he’s not just LSU’s leader but a serious contender for major college football honors. He’s already secured this symbolic victory — and more may soon follow