Garrett Nussmeier injury update: Frank Wilson reveals LSU QB's status vs. Western Kentucky

Injuries have become part of the story in 2025 for LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Early in the year, he had been dealing with a torso injury, which seemed to have an impact on his throwing. Recently, he re-injured himself in practice, and it’s again cost him time.

LSU is now getting ready to take on Western Kentucky with just two regular season games left. However, as of Monday, interim head coach Frank Wilson still doesn’t know if he’s going to be able to play this upcoming week.

“I know he’s going to want to,” Frank Wilson said. “We’re going to defer to our medical staff, our trainers, our doctors, to do what’s best for him. If there’s any way he can, I know he’s going to want to do so, but I don’t have those answers just yet.”

Garrett Nussmeier missed last Saturday’s game against Arkansas. That ended up being a close 23-22 win for the Tigers, being led on the offensive side of the ball by backup Michael Van Buren. Presumably, he’ll once again be the starter if Nussmeier is unable to go this week.

That torso injury has been a key piece in what has been a disappointing season for LSU. In the case of Nussmeier, he had been projected as a potential first round draft pick and Heisman contender coming into the season. Now, he’s clearly not on his way to New York for the Heisman ceremony and he does have the pre-draft process to look forward to. That’s something he’s going to need to be healthy for, as he looks to build up his draft stock this offseason. All of that is going to be a consideration for Nussmeier and LSU.

This comes at a time when LSU has taken some hits to its quarterback depth. Frank Wilson also shared that Collin Hurley, a 2024 recruit, is on personal leave.

This season, Nussmeier is completing 67.4 percent of his passes for 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns to five interceptions. He’s averaging 6.7 yards per attempt, down a whole yard from last season. On top of that, the torso injury seems to have made it more difficult for him to throw the ball downfield and into tight windows.

Luckily, Michael Van Buren does come with experience. A sophomore, he transferred in from Mississippi State, where he had extensive playing time last season, also in relief of an injured starter.

This week, LSU is set to take on Western Kentucky. After that, the Tigers will wrap up the season with a tough road trip to Oklahoma. Of course, there will also be a bowl game beyond that to get ready for as well.