LSU's Joe Sloan talks backup QBs Michael Van Buren, Ju'Juan Johnson

With Garrett Nussmeier firmly established as LSU’s starting quarterback heading into the 2025 season, the Tigers’ focus this spring has been on developing depth behind one of the nation’s top signal-callers. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan is excited about what he’s seen from backup options Michael Van Buren and Ju’Juan Johnson.

Van Buren Building on SEC Experience

Van Buren transferred to LSU in December after spending one season at Mississippi State, where he started the Bulldogs’ final eight games in 2024. In total, he appeared in 10 games, completing 140-of-256 passes for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while adding five rushing touchdowns.

“Michael did a lot of great things at Mississippi State last year,” Sloan said. “I think Mike, when you watch when he gets comfortable — and you’ve really seen it, we’ve seen it a lot this spring — his comfortability in the pocket is exceptional. I mean, it is exceptional. And I think that’s a really huge talent for him, and then he can drive the football now. He can touch every piece of the field with his arm.”

While Van Buren’s transition to LSU’s system has involved learning some new concepts, Sloan has been impressed with how quickly the former Bulldog has adapted.

“Some of the things that we do, he hasn’t necessarily done, but he’s a quick learner,” Sloan said. “Once he does it once and as he feels it, he’s been able to make the adjustments and and make the growth. I think that’s helped Mike a ton.”

LSU’s quarterback room might look a little different if things had gone according to plan last cycle. The Tigers initially secured a commitment from five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top prospect in the 2025 class, only for him to flip to Michigan late in the process due to NIL factors. While missing out on a talent like Underwood was a tough blow at the time, Sloan believes the program rebounded well and is pleased with the way things have unfolded.

“You learn from it. Well, you know, I think things happen, right?” Sloan said. “Things happen in college football and you do what’s best for the program. We couldn’t be more excited with how everything worked out. You know? I mean, I think Michael’s done an excellent job. We may not have been in the same situation if that was the case. I couldn’t be more excited to have him. And what he’s done and just all the different pieces that we have here, I couldn’t be more excited about the future of the offense.”

Johnson Making Strides After Position Switch

Ju’Juan Johnson, a Louisiana high school star who was named the state’s Mr. Football in 2023 at Lafayette Christian, has returned to his roots as a quarterback after spending his freshman year at LSU as a safety and running back. Johnson set Louisiana prep records with 14,451 total yards and 171 touchdowns during his high school career, and Sloan is excited about the versatility Johnson brings to the quarterback room.

“Ju’Juan wanted to come back to quarterback, and I couldn’t be more excited to have him,” Sloan said. “You know, he’s obviously a different style of quarterback than maybe the other two guys. He’s gonna definitely — right, you’re gonna have to respect his feet. Just working through him, I think you’ve seen his growth from a passing standpoint. He throws a good ball, but in terms of his progressions and doing the things he needs to do. And then, you know, just his footwork and and commanding the huddle, I think he has great leadership skills.”

Johnson’s athleticism has been on display during live-tackle situations in practice, and Sloan believes that dynamic ability will be a valuable asset.

“He’s been electric with the ball in hand, made a couple of big plays when we’ve been in live tackle situations,” Sloan said. “So I think he’s been excited. He’s been fun to coach. He’s attentive and he’s getting after it.”

With Nussmeier leading the way, LSU’s QB room is in good hands with Van Buren’s arm talent and SEC experience combined with Johnson’s playmaking ability. As the 2025 season approaches, LSU’s depth at quarterback could be one of the key factors in their pursuit of an SEC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.