Garrett Nussmeier, Qb vs #4 Clemson 2025
Player: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs
Class: Senior - 2026 Draft Eligible
Opponent: #4 Clemson
Year: 2025
Final Stat Line:
28/38 (73.7%), 230 Yards, 1 TD, 1 Sack
Overview
Against the #4 Clemson Tigers, Nussmeier delivered a performance defined by efficiency and composure. While the first half didn’t produce fireworks — mostly a steady diet of short completions and ball-control throws — the second half revealed more of what makes him exciting as a quarterback prospect. He showed the ability to work through reads, navigate pressure, and fit passes into tight windows without making costly mistakes.
There wasn’t a ton of jaw-dropping highlight throws, but there also weren’t mistakes that doomed his team. In a hostile environment against a playoff-caliber defense, he played within himself, executed the game plan, and rose to the occasion when LSU needed him. This was the kind of “grown-up” performance that wins football games, even if it doesn’t light up the box score.
Film Breakdown - Key Plays
#1) 11:54 in the 3rd. 1st & 10 - 15 Yard Pass
On 1st & 10, Nussmeier dropped back out of shotgun and fired a dart over the middle, threading the needle between three defenders for a 15-yard completion. The confidence to rip that throw in traffic stood out — he trusted his read, trusted his receiver, and delivered on time. Against a defense like Clemson’s, hesitation usually leads to turnovers, but he showed decisiveness. This was the first real “NFL-style” throw of the night, demonstrating anticipation and accuracy in a tight window.
#2) 10:33 in the 3rd. 2nd & 6 - 15 Yard Pass
Two plays later, Nussmeier delivered the highlight of his game. Facing 2nd & 6 with pressure breaking down the pocket, he scrambled out to his right, kept his eyes up, and — rolling against his body — fired across the field for another 15-yard gain. This was the best snapshot of his upside: mobility to evade pressure, composure to extend the play, and the arm talent to throw accurately on the move. Plays like this separate quarterbacks who simply manage an offense from those who can elevate it.
#3) 12:25 in the 4th. 2nd & Goal - 8 Yard TD Pass
Early in the fourth, Nussmeier capped off a red-zone drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass. Out of empty shotgun, he identified the matchup, dropped, and lofted a perfectly placed fade to his tight end. The throw gave his big target a chance to win a jump ball without the defender having an opportunity to make a play. It was a textbook red-zone rep — clean mechanics, good timing, and confident placement.
On The radar – Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU (#14)
At 6’7” and 240 pounds, true sophomore Trey’Dez Green is built to be a mismatch in the red zone — and he showed it here, using his size and frame to box out the defender and high-point the touchdown catch. Last season, he posted 4 TDs on just 13 catches as a freshman, and it’s encouraging to see him remain a featured redzone target early in his second year. Tight end projection in dynasty formats can be tricky, but Green’s combination of size, ball skills, and early production makes him a name worth tracking closely.
4th Quarter – Closing the Door
From there, LSU shifted to a possession-oriented approach, leaning heavily on screens, quick hitters, and high-percentage throws to bleed clock. Nussmeier executed this phase flawlessly, staying on schedule and avoiding sacks or dangerous throws. While not flashy, these late-game series underscored his maturity: he did exactly what the game demanded rather than chasing stats or forcing plays.
Final Thoughts
Garrett Nussmeier’s performance against Clemson wasn’t about jaw-dropping numbers or explosive highlights — it was about playing winning football against a top-tier defense in one of the toughest road environments in college football. On a night when Clemson’s highly regarded QB Cade Klubnik was expected to shine at home, it was Nussmeier who looked more composed, more efficient, and ultimately more effective.
He showcased:
Efficiency: Completed nearly 74% of his passes, consistently keeping the chains moving.
Poise under pressure: Delivered his best play of the night while rolling away from pressure.
Red-zone execution: Turned opportunities into points with well-placed throws.
Game management: Protected the football, avoided negative plays, and executed LSU’s clock-draining strategy late.
For scouts and evaluators, this game serves as a reminder that not every QB performance is defined by the box score. Nussmeier may not have wowed the casual fan, but this tape will stand out as an example of a quarterback who can go on the road against an elite defense and outplay another top-rated passer. The next step for him is proving he can marry this efficiency with more explosive, game-breaking plays to elevate LSU against elite competition.
