Ella Springfield has a profound message to take home. We often lose ourselves in the pursuit of life’s achievements that we forget to stop by and check on those who matter to us. Some of us are left to live a life of regret for the things left unsaid and undone. Aside from her inspiring relationship with QB Garrett Nussmeier, her time at LSU has been memorable in the company of her friends. But it wasn’t perfect. 

Ella Springfield knows the feeling of losing a loved one. In her new Instagram story on January 16, the LSU graduate posted a black-and-white picture of her posing with two of her friends. But the caption is heartbreaking. “Two years ago Heaven gained the most beautiful angel,” she wrote. In another text box below, she added a valuable message — “A constant reminder to hug your loved ones and never take for granted the beauty that is life.”

Though details about the situation aren’t readily available, the sense of sorrow behind those words reverberates loudly. And it’s clearly somebody who meant a lot to her. Ella Springfield may have to leave LSU ahead of Garrett Nussmeier, who stayed back in Baton Rouge for another season. But it’s one particular statement of hers that highlights the value she puts into her friendships. 

Although sad she couldn’t graduate together with Garrett Nussmeier, she’s leaving with a sense of fulfillment as she stated, “Came for the player, stayed for the lifelong memories and friendships made.” Still, her love and support for her 22-year-old boyfriend display her selfless character. After the Tigers QB’s unexpected announcement, she wished him the very best on her social media, saying, “So beyond proud of the person you are. Cannot wait to see all you do this next year!!” Garrett Nussmeier better makes his girlfriend’s sacrifice worth it in 2025. 

Can Garrett Nussmeier honor Ella Springfield’s sacrifice?

Garrett Nussmeier’s performance was above average in LSU this season. He completed 336-of-524 passes for 4,039 yards and 29 touchdowns. His single-season passing yards ranked third in the program’s history and his 336 completed passes fall behind only Joe Burrow who completed 402 passes in 2019. But he also had 12 interceptions, and the Tigers ended the season with an underwhelming 9-4 record. 

Now, people have speculated that Garrett Nussmeier has remained intact because the Tigers lost their most prized QB Bryce Underwood to Michigan. But whatever the case, he’s here to stay for another season. And Brian Kelly has already set his sights on a strong comeback next season by compiling a top-7 2025 roster in the nation. The Tigers recruited 23 high school commits, including three 5-star players and 16 portal commits. 

LSU is prepared. It’s looking good for Garrett Nussmeier to make the sacrifice worthwhile and make Ella Springfield the happiest.