LSU’s 24-19 loss at Ole Miss was a red flag on the QB front. Garrett Nussmeier, the Tigers’ gunslinger with one of the SEC’s biggest arms, didn’t look himself, missing throws, floating deep balls, and leaving points on the field. But if you think Brian Kelly’s ready to move on, think again. Because that play we saw might not be the Heisman contender’s best health. 

On October 1, an X post posted Kelly’s response when pressed about Michael Van Buren. “We have those (packages),” he said. “I’m not taking Garrett Nussmeier out of the game for those.” So, LSU is riding with Nussmeier, whether he’s healthy or not. And that’s the hill the Tigers HC is clearly willing to die on.

The issue, though, is obvious to anyone with eyes. Nussmeier went just 1-of-7 on passes over 20 yards in Oxford. His trademark zip wasn’t there, and his throws wobbled. This isn’t the same guy who torched SE Louisiana earlier this year. There have been rumors that the QB is receiving treatment for an ab strain, but Coach Kelly was quick to slam that as “misinformation.” He added, “Early on, he had an ab strain, not a core injury in terms of a core injury that we deal with. And it’s been slow to heal.”

So what gives? LSU only needed one more score to flip this game. And while Brian Kelly downplayed the idea, Van Buren’s mobility might’ve been the spark. LSU’s O-line couldn’t move Ole Miss off the ball, but a dual-threat QB shifts the math. One more converted drive, and this headline probably looks a whole lot different.

Garrett Nussmeier didn’t want to fuel speculation postgame. “I’m not going to answer any questions about my health right now,” he said, visibly frustrated. “Currently, right now, obviously, I’m frustrated about the loss and just looking to get back, watch the tape, find ways to get better.” He also pointed the finger at the Tigers’ mistakes. “We were able to drive the football,” he said. “But we kept shooting ourselves in the foot again.” The words stung, but LSU’s offense looked completely out of rhythm. But this week’s going to be very impactful for Van Buren.

Brian Kelly gives Michael Van Buren a bye week opportunity 

This bye week comes at the perfect time. With Garrett Nussmeier catching his breath, Michael Van Buren got first-team reps in practice. “I think it’s a great opportunity for him,” Brian Kelly said. “We’re gonna give Garrett some time to rest here this week, make sure he’s fully at 100 percent. Michael got all the first-team reps in articulation; he did a great job. He’s still learning, but as we said, we feel confident in his ability.” But he was still quick to reiterate his pecking order. 

The numbers still speak loudly. Nussmeier was electric in 2024 with 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. But through five games in 2025, he’s been erratic with seven scores, three picks, and far too many missed deep shots. Against Ole Miss, his 197 yards and one touchdown simply weren’t enough. And yet, Kelly’s sticking with his guy. On Wednesday, he doubled down, saying, “He’ll be the Garrett Nussmeier that he needs to be as we get into the very difficult part of our schedule.”

Now LSU stares down a pivotal stretch. The SEC waits for no one, and if Nussmeier isn’t 100 percent in two weeks, the pressure to roll with Van Buren will only grow louder. Coach Kelly might be all-in on his starter, but in Baton Rouge, loyalty doesn’t last long if the scoreboard doesn’t flip.