Week 12 is here, and LSU has downgraded Garrett Nussmeier from “probable” to “questionable” heading into the Arkansas matchup. With the recent injury setback happening this close to kickoff, the program is now forced to look deeper into the quarterback room.

“If Michael Van Buren’s okay with burning his red shirt and putting out as much film as possible for next year’s head coach or next year’s spot,” Glen West from 247 Sports said. “Or possibly a potential transfer portal tape that other teams can get a chance to see him over these last three games, I would just lean into him.”

He further adds, “Does Michael Van Buren start, and does he start all the rest of these three games. I think that’s really kind of what’s on the table right now for LSU.” Thus, the interim coach has two options now: Frank Wilson can either ask Garrett Nussmeier to suit up even with the lingering injury, or LSU can risk burning Michael Van Buren’s redshirt. Michael first showed off his QB chops as a starter for LSU against Alabama after Nussmeier went down. He completed 5 of 11 passes for 52 yards, with three drops, and added 21 rushing yards on four runs (after sacks).

Van Buren originally hit the field as a 2024 Mississippi State recruit, starting eight games for the Bulldogs. He completed 54.7% of his passes for 1,885 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven picks. PFF even tagged him with a 5.1% big-time throw rate. It’s a pretty solid number for a true freshman. His breakout moment came against Georgia, when he lit up the Dawgs for 306 yards and three touchdowns. So, it’s pretty much decided that Van Buren’s redshirt will be burned. The 21-year-old also made an appearance against the Aggies and the Southeast Louisiana Lions, racking up a total of 224 yards and 2 touchdowns.

However, Frank Wilson has made his feelings about him clear. “Michael’s no different than the rest of them,” he continued, “If he can come in and contribute and help us to win, it’s something he wants to do. It’s something that we want him to do because we think he has tremendous value to us.” There are still no updates on how long Garrett Nussmeier will be out, and LSU is already missing Whit Weeks and Ahmad Breaux for the Arkansas game. Now, that leaves Michael Van Buren as the obvious choice to step in at quarterback.

What happened to Whit Weeks? 

Whit Weeks has been a very crucial part of LSU’s secondary. He was a First-Team All-SEC linebacker in 2024 and LSU’s leading tackler last season with 125 stops. But now he has been sidelined by a stubborn bone bruise on his right ankle. This injury has kept him out for nearly a month. He missed the last three games and is likely to miss a fourth against Arkansas. He was last seen wearing a walking boot.

Although he recently practiced without it, he’s still questionable to suit up for the crucial matchup. The injury impacts Weeks’ ability to put weight on his ankle. LSU’s defense has noticeably struggled without him. Since Weeks’ last appearance on October 11 against South Carolina, the Tigers have gone 0-3. It includes losses to Vanderbilt and Texas A&M. LSU’s run defense has been especially vulnerable, allowing opponents like Vanderbilt to 399 total yards in one game.

Weeks has just 26 tackles this season, a steep drop from his previous dominance. Interim coach Frank Wilson has described Weeks’ status as day-to-day and cautiously optimistic but made no guarantees. And then Ahmad Breaux’s injury is another headache for LSU as they prepare for Arkansas. The defensive tackle, who’s been a key disruptor on the defensive line, is out due to injury. It further weakens LSU’s defensive front.