Garrett Nussmeier has watched his season collapse under injuries, inconsistency, and a struggling offense. But things went south when a costly sack against Alabama ruled him out of the game. As, he was benched for Michael Van Buren, who’s now taking over after a recent injury scare. Here’s everything you need to know about him.

Who Is Michael Van Buren? Background and High School Career

Michael Van Buren came to Baton Rouge this offseason after transferring from Mississippi State and has appeared in three games so far this season. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 224 yards with two touchdowns, adding a rushing TD. Now, after Frank Wilson’s latest update on Garrett Nussmeier’s abdominal injury, he is taking up the reins against Arkansas.

Giving an update on Nussmeier, interim coach Frank Wilson clarified it’s not a new injury, but Nussmeier is still dealing with a “nagging” issue. And they will monitor his progress in the Arkansas game. “A little nagging injury reoccurred with Garrett Nussmeier today,” Wilson said. “And so, I think he’s probable. A little bit concerning, something that we need to monitor and continue to watch with him as we head into the game.”

Before putting his foot on college football field Van Buren was a 3-star recruit turning heads in St. Frances Academy. Back in 2022  he led his team to a 9-1 record earning All-Metro recognition from Baltimore Sun completing 112 of 198 passes for 1,707 yards with 18 touchdowns and also rushed 10 times for 125 yards with 2 more scores.

During his time at Mississippi State too he passed for 1,886 yards with 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Now, after transferring to LSU this Arkansas game is going to be his first starting gig.

Why Is Michael Van Buren Replacing Garrett Nussmeier?

Well, the word was already out on the woods that Wilson was willing to make the change after he benched Nussmeier in the second half against Alabama and entered Michael Van Buren on the field for the rest of the game. “I thought he was solid,” Wilson said. “There were some things that were obvious, like pushing the pocket and stepping up and making passes. He was able to escape and pick up first downs with his legs. I’d like him to have two hands on the ball when he’s in the pocket so he doesn’t get that one swatted away, but I thought he did a good job.”

Despite coming in late, Van Buren finished the game, completing 5 of 11 passes for 52 yards. And also gained 21 yards on the ground as well, even though it showed up on the stat sheet as one yard, because of multiple sacks. That showed his resilience on the field, which made his resume even stronger. On top of it, Nussmeier’s “questionable” status came at the right time for him.

Now, let’s know more about his personal life.

Who Is Michael Van Buren’s Girlfriend?

Well, the way Michael Van Buren has put his football and career goals out there, his personal life is still pretty much under wraps. Even his Instagram account doesn’t have a single trace of his relationship status. It’s all filled with football updates and his on-field pictures.

But even if his love life remains a big mystery, his character speaks volumes through the people who know him. Baltimore St. Francis Academy coach Messay Hailemariam loves telling a story about him that shows the kind of person Van Buren is, as after throwing 4 touchdowns in his first varsity start against De La Salle, he stayed behind to help wash the team’s uniforms. That shows the kind of humble nature this man has.

And that’s the result of his parents’ values and his deep-rooted background.

What Is Michael Van Buren’s Ethnicity and Family Background?

Michael Van Buren isn’t just a dynamic player but a good human too, and that’s all because of his parents, Monique Walker and Michael Van Buren Sr.’s upbringing. Football was always in Van Buren’s blood, as his father motivated him from a very young age. When this guy was just 9, he started working with St. Frances assistant coach Russell Thomas, receiving personal, sports-specific training under him.

Even his mother, Monique, had a deep influence on his football career, as she constantly motivated him throughout his high school journey and even stood by his side while he was making his college move. Now, growing up in Bowie, Maryland, Michael Van Buren is an American citizen, but his ethnicity and cultural beliefs are not yet known. But one thing always remained out there, and that’s his love for the game. It’s either moving out of Oregon or getting into LSU. While waiting for his chance, he never gave up.

And that success also brings in financial gains; let’s know about it.

What Is Michael Van Buren’s NIL Value in 2025?

After joining the Bulldogs, Michael Van Buren’s NIL value was set at $72,000, as per On3, but since moving to LSU. But as per Mississippi State’s insider David Murray, his move was mostly NIL-based. “They’ve got a guy who can make all the throws. He’s got the arm, he’s got the aggression, and he’s got the recognition, so I think it’s a fine pickupfor them. It simply was a state where Mississippi State could not afford investing so much NIL when they’ve really got to get out there and find a bunch of linebackers, defensive linemen, and offensive linemen,” he said.

Now, the exact number is not known, and even his deals and endorsements are not out there, but Buren might be earning around a million. But for now let’s wait and see if he can take LSU through a win against Arkansas or not.