Garrett Nussmeier: Helmet communication is 'definitely' an advantage

Among many other changes, the college football world will also see new technology when games begin next week. That includes helmet communication, and the early reviews say it’ll be a game-changer.

Rather than relaying signs from the sideline, coaches will be able to talk directly to the quarterback and a member of the defense with the new technology. Tablets can also be used on the sidelines during game action as conferences partner with Apple and Microsoft, among other companies.

But the helmet communication is drawing the most attention. To LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, it’s a welcome change and could make the offense even better.

“The helmet comms have been awesome,” Nussmeier said. “Obviously, you still have to make sure you’re aware of the signals and things like that in case they go out in any moment. But it’s definitely an advantage, being able to have that communication with Coach [Joe] Sloan and making sure we’re in the correct play and running the right thing.

“There are also schematic advantages that y’all will see eventually with that. It’s been awesome. I think it’s a huge help and it’s been really, really good for us.”

Under the new rules, which went into affect in the spring, coaches can talk to one player on offense and one on defense through the helmet communication. Those players will be noted with a green dot on the back of their helmets, similar to the NFL model. The microphone will shut off at either the 15-second mark on the play clock or when the ball is snapped – whichever comes first.

Coaches around the country have offered their thoughts on the new landscape. That includes Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin, who summed up the impact helmet technology well.

“It truly is like a cheat code,” Kiffin said. “You’re getting talked to, you’re getting reminded of everything. Run, pass, gap splits, alignments, what to check to. So, it is a game changer, but I don’t know that you’re going to notice it as much.”

The NCAA tested the technology during bowl games this year. That meant schools such as Texas Tech got to use it in a game situation. In a conversation with On3’s Pete Nakos, Joey McGuire said it went well – although three defensive players got to be in contact with the coaches. He pushed for it to stay that way, but the NCAA’s Playing Rules Oversight Panel went with just one player on defense.

“They said they just wanted to get it passed so they took the easy way instead of the right way,” McGuire told On3. “This didn’t eliminate signals at all. …. The bowl game was perfect.”