Garrett Nussmeier injury update: Michael Van Buren likely to start vs. Oklahoma per report

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier has not played in the last two games, with their starter instead being QB Michael Van Buren. Now, going into the season finale, that’s expected to be the case again for the Tigers.

Per sources speaking to Matt Zenitz at CBS Sports, Van Buren is likely to start in their final game of the regular season this next weekend in LSU vs. No. 8 Oklahoma. That’s as Nussmeier finishes this season sidelined by an abdominal injury, which has bothered him for much of the year and that he has since reaggravated a week and a half ago.

“LSU will likely start Michael Van Buren at quarterback again when the Tigers face No. 8 Oklahoma on Saturday, sources tell @CBSSports,” Zenitz posted on Sunday night. “Garrett Nussmeier hasn’t played since Nov. 8 due to an abdominal injury.”

Nussmeier has not played since being benched in their loss against No. 4 Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 8th. He was set to play to some extent the following weekend, but reaggravated that injury in practice two days before kickoff and was later ruled out against Arkansas as well as for yesterday’s game against Western Kentucky.

In his place, Van Buren has led the Tigers to close, comeback victories over both the Razorbacks and the Hilltoppers. He is 46-73 (63%) for 423 yards, averaging 211.5 between the two games, with two touchdowns and an interception, while also rushing for a total of 48 yards. Ju’Juan Johnson (1/1 for 14 yards, 27 rushing yards) has also appeared in the pair of wins for LSU.

Now, with this reporting, and after he went through the festivities for senior day last night in Death Valley, Nussmeier is, pending an expected change this week or before their eventual bowl game, likely done with his collegiate career at LSU. He would be finishing with career marks of 64% completion for 192.5 passing yards per game with 52 touchdowns and 24 interceptions as a Tiger, including 65.8% completion for 262.9 passing yards per game with 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions the past two seasons as the starter down in Baton Rouge. He’d then have plenty of time to fully heal from this nagging issue this fall, and be prepared for the spring and what comes for him in the process for the 2026 NFL Draft.

More will be known about the status of Nussmeier as we go into this week, with LSU preparing to play OU in Norman. All signs, though, currently point to another opportunity for Van Buren in the season finale against the Sooners.