By Mmesoma 
BATON ROUGE, La. — July 14, 2025 — As LSU gears up for one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025 college football season — a primetime battle against Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium — quarterback Garrett Nussmeier isn’t backing down from the pressure. Instead, he’s embracing it.
Reflecting on last season’s 42–28 loss to the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Nussmeier dismissed any suggestion that the moment was too big for him.
> “I was ready then, and I’m ready now,” Nussmeier said confidently during LSU’s summer media availability. “That environment is intense, no doubt. But if you want to be great, that’s exactly where you want to be — in the noise, under the lights, with everything on the line.”
The 2024 game saw Nussmeier come off the bench after starter Jayden Daniels exited with an injury. Thrown into a high-pressure situation on the road against one of college football’s toughest defenses, the then-backup QB completed 9 of 15 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. Though LSU ultimately came up short, Nussmeier’s performance turned heads.
Now entering the 2025 season as LSU’s undisputed starter, the redshirt junior is carrying the confidence and lessons learned from that pivotal moment into a new campaign.
> “You go into Bryant-Denny, and you either fold or fight,” he added. “That game taught me how to stay composed, how to lead, and how to push through when it feels like the whole stadium is against you.”
🔁 Growth and Preparation
Nussmeier spent the offseason sharpening his decision-making and building chemistry with a talented receiving corps led by Malik Nabers Jr. and Kyren Lacy. First-year offensive coordinator DJ Mangas praised Nussmeier’s leadership and poise, calling him “a quarterback who doesn’t flinch.”
> “Garrett’s toughness and football IQ are what you want in your starter,” Mangas said. “He’s got the arm talent, but more importantly, he’s got the heart and the mindset. He’s a coach on the field.”
🏟️ Eyes on Bryant-Denny
LSU and Alabama’s 2025 clash — once again scheduled for November in Tuscaloosa — is expected to be a defining moment in the SEC West title race. Nussmeier isn’t focused on revenge but on execution.
> “It’s not about proving people wrong,” he said. “It’s about proving ourselves right. We believe we can beat anyone — including Bama — but it starts with preparation.”
With both teams likely entering the game ranked inside the top 10, the matchup promises to be another classic in a rivalry filled with drama and elite talent.
For Nussmeier, it’s not just another game. It’s a chance to show the nation that he’s not only LSU’s present but also its future — and that Bryant-Denny, no matter how loud, won’t shake him.