After LSU’s 17-10 win over Clemson in week 1, there is a real argument that Garrett Nussmeier is the best quarterback in college football.
Early in the game, there were moments where you wanted to see more consistency from Nussmeier, but as the game went on, he made the kind of throws that separate good quarterbacks from elite ones. Deep shots, anticipation throws, and high-level accuracy all showed up when it mattered most.
That is where the difference is. In a college football landscape that feels like it is lacking true superstar quarterbacks, Nussmeier might be the one checking the most boxes. The arm talent is there. The decision making showed up in key moments. And most importantly, he has already proven it on the field.
Compare that to the preseason hype around other quarterbacks. Cade Klubnik came in with major expectations but did not deliver in the opener against LSU. Meanwhile, younger or less proven players like Arch Manning and Bryce Underwood are still developing and figuring things out.
Right now, Nussmeier stands apart. That is a big reason why LSU looks like a legitimate contender early in the season. When you have the most reliable quarterback on the field, it changes everything.
Of course, it is only Week 1. There is a long season ahead, and consistency will ultimately decide how this plays out, but if you are picking a quarterback to win a game today, there is a strong case that Nussmeier is at the top of the list. And if that continues, the rest of the country is going to have to adjust quickly.