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Garrett Nussmeier awarded historic No. 18 for LSU in 2025

On3 imageby: Matthew Brune08/24/25MatthewBrune_
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier (Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports)
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier (Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports)

LSU has announced that the annual tradition of No. 18 going to a captain continues, this time as it’s awarded to quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, a redshirt senior entering his second year as a starter. The Lake Charles, Louisiana native has spent all five seasons at LSU and has talked openly about his passion for the program and this state and now gets one of the highest honors in the program before the 2025 season.

Nussmeier is a projected All-American by multiple outlets and one of the top quarterbacks in the country going into the season. He ended the 2024 campaign with over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, showing the arm talent and playmaking ability at every stop. Along with the talent, Nussmeier showed tremendous leadership in his first year as a starter and now looks to build off of that ahead of a pivotal season for the Tigers in 2025.

Nussmeier said at SEC Football Media Days that he would be willing to wear the No. 18 if it was presented to him and now he gets that opportunity. Last year, running back Josh Williams wore the number on offense as a leader on the team. This time, it’s Nussmeier’s turn to lead the new roster.

“Well, for one, I think this is the closest team I’ve ever been on at LSU, just as far as the brotherhood and camaraderie in the locker room,” Nussmeier said. “As for the receiver room, I don’t think we have a receiver who runs over a 4.44. That’s exciting, lots of versatility and speed. The run game has also been a big emphasis for us. I think you’ll see a lot of versatility in how we get guys the ball in different ways.”

Nussmeier has a revamped receiver room to throw to and is looking forward to that opportunity to make plays in Tiger Stadium, but first he had to evaluate his own game and see where he could take steps forward.

“Having last year to go back and study has been huge.” Nussmeier said. “This offseason I’ve focused on being critical of myself, taking care of the football, using my legs more in the right situations. But it’s also about recognizing what I did well and building confidence from that. The goal now is to raise the floor. Obviously, my goals are team goals, and being the best version of myself will hopefully help lead us to them.”

Now, with a clear vision entering the 2025 season, Nussmeier knows what he needs to do and what cost him last year.

“Turnovers, first and foremost,” Nussmeier said. “As an anticipation passer, some interceptions will happen, but I need to eliminate the ones where I’m forcing things. I’ve also worked on my body—being more durable, able to run and make plays with my feet. Sometimes last year I should’ve just taken off instead of forcing a throw. It’s all about becoming more well-rounded and raising the floor.”

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