Ed Orgeron reveals decision on redshirt for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier

The decision on whether or not to redshirt freshman quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been a prominent topic for LSU over recent weeks. It appears that LSU has maybe come to a final decision.

After Nussmeier did not play in LSU’s loss to Alabama, he and his father were disappointed that he didn’t see the field. This led to Nussmeier changing courses, wanting to forego the redshirt year. He wanted to be on the field. Nussmeier got his wish against Arkansas, completing 18 of his 31 passes for 179 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Playing against Arkansas marked the fourth game of the year for Nussmeier, meaning he can’t play in any more games without burning his redshirt year.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron has maintained that the decision is completely Nussmeier’s. Prior to Saturday’s game against UL Monroe, Orgeron told reporters the latest plan regarding Nussmeier’s redshirt.

“As it seems right now Garrett is not going to play,” Orgeron said of Nussmeier. “So Max (Johnson) is our starter and Garrett is going to take the redshirt year. If something comes up, Matt O’Dowd is going to have to go in.”

Orgeron gave advice to Nussmeier earlier in the week

Earlier in the week, Orgeron maintained that Max Johnson is LSU’s starting quarterback. He also said that he is high on Nussmeier as a player, but that given how things went in last week’s loss, Nussmeier didn’t show enough to unseat Johnson as the starting quarterback.

“I like Garrett, I think he’s a good player like Max is a good player,” Orgeron said. “I don’t feel like Garrett beat Max out, I don’t think that Max deserves to be benched. Gave him a chance to beat him out although I think he’s a very good player. The touchdown play was a phenomenal play but we were also minus three in the turnover ratio. We only scored seven points. So Max is still our starter.”

With LSU sticking with Johnson as the starting quarterback, that made the decision tricky for Nussmeier regarding the redshirt. Orgeron said that if he was Nussmeier he would redshirt, but again maintained that the decision is fully up to Nussmeier and his father.

“It’s going to be up to Garrett and his father if they want a redshirt or they want to play in a backup role and perhaps again go in the game,” Orgeron said. “And if he plays better, keep him in. But if I were him, I’d redshirt but. There’s only two games left, but that’s not my decision.”

Saturday night’s kickoff against UL Monroe is set for 9 p.m. ET in Baton Rouge. LSU will then host Texas A&M to wrap up the regular season the following week.