Brian Kelly believes LSU has two quarterbacks capable of starting in 2023

LSU has the best problem in football: two capable starting quarterbacks. At least, that’s what Tigers head coach Brian Kelly will tell you as he enters his second season at the helm of the program.

Of course, LSU enjoyed tremendous and perhaps surprising success in the first season under his watch, flipping from a losing 6-7 record in 2021 to a 10-2 regular season mark to win the west and earn a spot in the SEC Championship game. All of which was accomplished with Jayden Daniels under center. He won the job last fall after transferring over from Arizona State, where he was the starter in every game he played.

After arriving at LSU, he only continued to produce, putting up a shade under 3,000 passing yards last season for the Tigers while also running for 885 yards. Furthermore, he tossed just three picks to 17 touchdowns and 28 overall. The kid was a star at QB for the Tigers.

But now, Kelly is saying he has two guys that are capable of taking over the job. Daniels being one and the other being former top-100 recruit Garrett Nussmeier, who is now entering his third season with the program and may challenge the throne, according to his head coach.

On Thursday’s edition of the Paul Finebaum show, Brian Kelly hopped on and explained that he sees two potential starters in that room at the moment.

“Two starters. Both can win in the SEC. Both have played at the highest level,” said Kelly of his options. “We’re blessed and fortunate. You know as well as anybody how difficult it is to have two. And, you know, I think it’s important that we continue to work both of them this Saturday with the first unit.”

Since both are in consideration for the job, Brian Kelly wants to see both guys play with the first unit to really gauge them.

“Look, there’s a big difference between the 1s and the 2s right now for us on the offensive line just because of injuries and young players. So, you know, Garrett will get an opportunity to play with the first team as well. So keeping them both sharp, keeping them both in a rhythm will be important for us in this spring game.”

Sounds strange that a 10-4 starter that just took you to the SEC title game would be benched for a younger and less proven player, but Kelly is keeping the options open.