Garrett Nussmeier had an impressive 2024 season, throwing for over 4,000 yards, though LSU’s overall performance was inconsistent. The quarterback initially intended to leave for the NFL, but head coach Brian Kelly convinced him to stay for one final season. With a promising future ahead, Nussmeier was determined to solidify his legacy at LSU. Acknowledging his past struggles, he embraced the opportunity to lead the Tigers to greater success. He even made a bold declaration through a video, officially announcing his return.
“I am officially announcing that I am returning for my final year of eligibility, and I am fully committed to bringing this university a championship. My teammates, coaches, and the fans will get the absolute best out of me every single day until we complete that goal. Go Tigers!“
View this post on Instagram
Despite his commitment and proven track record, Nussmeier has already been met with a level of disrespect before the new season begins. Predictions for the 2025 Heisman Trophy have placed Texas quarterback Arch Manning as the top favorite, with betting odds of +700. Meanwhile, quarterbacks like Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, and Dante Moore are trailing behind. Many expected Nussmeier’s name to be at the forefront of the discussion, but instead, Manning has taken the spotlight despite limited experience.
Adding to the controversy, analysts have suggested that Manning could outperform Nussmeier in 2025. This projection has sparked debate, especially considering that Manning has yet to start a full season. LSU insider Matt Moscona was among those who pushed back against the hype, pointing out the disparity in experience and performance between the two quarterbacks.
“Garrett Nussmeier, he’s thrown for 4,000 yards in a season. The bigger surprise is that he is a co-favorite with Arch Manning (to win Heisman). While I understand the five-star rating, the Manning name, and all the reasons why Texas was in the playoff a year ago, the truth is he hasn’t done it.”
Statistically, Nussmeier has a strong case for being a top Heisman contender. His 4,000+ passing yards, 64.2% completion rate, and an 80 QBR (as ranked by ESPN) placed him among the top ten quarterbacks in college football. Notably, he achieved this success without the elite offensive system that Texas has.
Manning, on the other hand, played in a limited capacity last season. In his two starts and ten total appearances, he completed 61 passes for 939 yards. He stepped in when Quinn Ewers was injured and helped Texas secure wins against Mississippi State (35-13) and ULM (51-3). While he showed potential, his body of work remains much smaller than Nussmeier’s.
The Debate Around Arch Manning’s Heisman Hype
The controversy surrounding Manning’s Heisman favoritism has reignited discussions about nepotism in college football. Many believe his famous last name—being the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning—has given him an unfair advantage. While his lineage may have provided opportunities, some argue that his actual performance has yet to justify the level of hype he is receiving.
However, football is ultimately a results-driven sport. If Manning fails to perform, he will face the same challenges as any other player. Comparisons have been made to other high-profile names in the sport, such as Shedeur Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders, who also commands a high NIL valuation. Manning currently has a $6.5 million NIL valuation and a major deal with Red Bull, which highlights how family names can impact an athlete’s marketability.
Ultimately, while his background might open doors, Manning will have to prove himself on the field. If he succeeds, the hype will be justified. If not, the nepotism allegations will only grow louder.
Now the question remains: Does Arch Manning truly deserve his place as the Heisman favorite, or is his name doing most of the work? And can Garrett Nussmeier use this perceived slight as motivation to dominate in his final college season?