Brian Kelly confirms Jayden Daniels as LSU starting quarterback, says Garrett Nussmeier is 'getting better'

Jayden Daniels will be LSU‘s starting quarterback in the fall, not that there was ever much doubt. LSU head coach Brian Kelly announced the decision during SEC Media Days on Monday.

“Jayden’s our starter. He’ll start, but he’ll have to continue to improve and progress because Garrett [Nussmeier] is getting better every single day, as well,” Kelly said.

It’ll be difficult to surpass Daniels. Last season, the California native threw for 2,913 yards, 17 touchdowns, three interceptions and a 68.6% completion percentage. He also busted out a career-high 885 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.

Experts expect Daniels to boast an even better season in 2023. Nonetheless, he isn’t the only one hoping to have a break-out year with plenty of fan support.

Backup QB Garrett Nussmeier enters his third season at LSU, yet to start, but building plenty of hype.

In two campaigns with LSU, Nussmeier has seen action in 11 games. In those outings, the 6-foot-2 QB recorded 81 completions for 1129 yards. Further, Nussmeier has seven touchdowns compared to six interceptions.

Although Nussmeier doesn’t have the playing time to back it up, he’s talented. Nussmeier was a four-star prospect in high school and the No. 15 quarterback in the Class of 2021, according to On3 Industry Ratings.

Unlike Nussmeier, Daniels hasn’t always been a Tiger. Daniels is entering his fifth season and second year at LSU. The 6-foot-4 quarterback spent his first three seasons at Arizona State before joining the Tigers last season. This offseason is Daniels’ last to improve his collegiate game.

Nussmeier gives Daniels motivation everyday.

“You want to talk about great competition? That’s about as about as good as a head coach could hope for at the quarterback position. So Jayden’s the starter, but he’s got to have a great camp. He’s got to continue to progress.

“He’s got to continue to work. He’s got to continue to move forward because the guy right there, as well, he wants to take his job in the right way. They’ve got a great relationship, but he wants his job too. So, I think that that’s a really positive situation,” Kelly said at 2023 SEC Media Days.

See how the LSU battle at quarterback plays out when the Tigers begin the 2023 campaign when they take on Florida State in their season opener on Sept. 3.