Jordan Rodgers: Garrett Nussmeier is 'the best quarterback in the entire country'

Garrett Nussmeier enters his fifth and final season of eligibility in 2025. After exploding onto the scene as LSU‘s quarterback in 2024, many expect another elite season to follow.

SEC Network’s Jordan Rodgers joined the Paul Finebaum Show during the first day of SEC Media Days on Monday. He made a bold claim when addressing Nussmeier’s high expectations heading into his season season.

“I think Garrett Nussmeier is the best quarterback in the entire country,” Rodgers told Finebaum. “I think he is ready for a monster year, and partly because of who he is and what we saw from him last year. I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks under pressure. He’s be able to create, navigate the pocket, throw off platform, be accurate in tight windows.”

Nussmeier finished last season with 4,052 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. It was a great start for the senior from Lake Charles, but he has one more opportunity to lead his team to the CFP.

Last season, LSU ended up finishing the season with a 9-4 record during Nussmeier’s first season as starting quarterback. However, his numbers were among the best in the SEC last season.

“I love the pieces they went out and got to put around him,” Rodgers continued. “You’ve got Nic Anderson from Oklahoma, who’s a 6-foot-5, big target. I think they have so much speed. They needed a guy that can really win one on one matchups with size. Then, they got Barion Brown, a guy that was underutilized at Kentucky in the last couple of years.

“And obviously, Aaron Anderson and Chris Hilton. The speed they have, the talent they have around him — I think he’s poised for a special year now.”

While offense looks to be a strong suit for the Tigers this fall, Rodgers is hesitant to speak to what the team’s defense can achieve. LSU ranked 14th in the SEC in team defense last fall, and the Tigers will need a much stronger effort to keep them in CFP contention.

That effort will begin during Week 1 against the Clemson Tigers. That matchup will feature the premier quarterback battle of opening weekend featuring Nussmeier and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik.

Kickoff between LSU and Clemson is set for Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET and will air live on ABC. Clemson is an early favorite to win the matchup at home, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.