Garrett Nussmeier reflects on Joe Burrow's legacy, what he can take away from his LSU experience

Garrett Nussmeier sees similarities between himself and Joe Burrow. Both were quarterbacks at LSU who had to wait their turn to enter the limelight and now Nussmeier hopes his story will end up similar to Burrow’s.

Burrow spent two seasons as a backup before transferring to the Tigers in 2018 and led them to a national title in his final season. Nussmeier has also spent two years as a backup to Jayden Daniels and will finally get his chance to take the reigns of the offense this year.

Speaking at SEC Media Days on Monday, the current LSU QB spoke on what he has learned from observing the legacy of Burrow.

“His story is very special. He had to wait his time as well,” Nussmeier said. “So just watching him and what he was able to accomplish in his two years at LSU was unreal. Hopefully, if I’m anywhere as close to him, I’ll be happy.”

Nussmeier was the No. 11 quarterback in the 2021 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies

He flashed his potential in the lone start of his career, leading LSU to a victory against Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Nussmeier threw for 395 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in a 45-31 victory for the Tigers.

LSU has often built up to big years throughout its history and is coming off of back-to-back 10-win seasons in the first two years under Brian Kelly. It returns key playmakers in the passing game such as Kyren Lacy and Aaron Anderson that provide hope for 2024 to be another breakthrough year.

The Tigers are coming off of a season in which they are the No. 3 passing offense in the nation. It’s unrealistic to expect them to replicate that with a new QB and their top two receiving options gone, but one would expect Nussmeier has learned enough to keep the offense at least among the top 25.

Expectations are always high at a program like LSU, but Nussmeier has been someone who has been on the radar for quite some time now. He completed all seven of his passes for two touchdowns in the spring game to further amplify his hype heading into 2024.

We’ll see whether he can live up to that lofty expectation when LSU kicks off next season against USC on Sept. 1.