Brian Kelly states LSU quarterback competition could be nearing a decision

14 days remain until LSU kicks off its football season, and head coach Brian Kelly is running out of time to name a starting quarterback. Following Myles Brennan‘s decision to walk away from football, the battle is now between Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels, and sophomore Garrett Nussmeier – and it’s neck-and-neck as we head to the wire.

“It’s a two man race and it’s extremely competitive,” Kelly said. “Jayden does some really good things. Obviously his ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly. He’s not just a guy that that runs, he threw the ball and a 65 percent completion ratio last year. Pushed the ball down the field very well today.

“[Nussmeier] made some really good plays [during the scrimmage] as well. Unblocked edge player coming out and gets the ball out of his hands. Look, I wouldn’t be surprised if they both get the opportunity to play at some time this year, but we’re going to have to name a starter, and that’s going to happen here pretty quickly.”

Kelly also addressed true freshman Walker Howard‘s status in the competition after Brennan’s departure. In his case, age means everything.

“I think it’s pretty clear that it’s Nussmeier and it’s Daniels,” Kelly said. “They just have more experience than Walker Howard. Walker has done a great job. But I think his situation now would be an emergency situation. Can we redshirt? That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

Nussmeier appeared in four games during his true freshman season, completing 29 of his 57 passing attempts for 329 yards to go along with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Meanwhile, Daniels arrives in Baton Rouge as one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the nation. With over 6,000 career passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in three seasons at Arizona State, Daniels is now one of the most experienced signal callers in all of the SEC.

Kelly doesn’t believe he can go wrong with either quarterback – but time is running out for him to make a decision. Whether it’s Daniels or Nussmeier taking the first snap when LSU kicks off their 2022 season against Florida State, both are bound to find time under center as the season progresses.