Projecting LSU Football’s Quarterback Depth Chart in 2025

LSU football is one of the premier programs in college football, consistently producing talent at nearly every position. The quarterback position, in particular, has seen high levels of success, from Heisman Trophy winners like Joe Burrow to future NFL stars such as JaMarcus Russell and Ja’Marr Chase (as a receiver). As the program looks toward the future, the quarterback room is an area of great interest for LSU fans and analysts alike. With LSU head coach Brian Kelly’s recruitment strategy, development pipeline, and the way college football’s quarterback dynamics have evolved, projecting LSU’s quarterback depth chart for 2025 is a challenging yet fascinating task.

Current Quarterback Situation (as of 2024)

LSU’s quarterback situation in 2024 is a mix of seasoned leadership, young talent, and incoming recruits, all factors that will have a significant impact on the depth chart in 2025. The starting quarterback for LSU in 2024 is Jayden Daniels, a transfer from Arizona State. Daniels, known for his dual-threat capabilities, led the team with both his arm and legs in 2023, displaying an ability to make plays on the ground while also showing considerable improvement in his passing. As he enters his senior year in 2024, Daniels will be looking to secure his NFL future, making the 2024 season his swan song.

Behind Daniels, LSU’s quarterback depth is a bit uncertain but filled with potential. Garrett Nussmeier, a former 4-star recruit, has shown flashes of brilliance in his backup role, throwing for over 600 yards and 4 touchdowns in limited action in 2023. Nussmeier has a high ceiling as a passer, though he has yet to consistently demonstrate the poise needed to be a starter. Additionally, Walker Howard, a blue-chip recruit from the 2023 class, represents the future for LSU at quarterback. Howard, a highly-touted prospect out of Louisiana, was redshirted in 2023 but could emerge as a key player in the 2025 season, especially as Nussmeier and Daniels (likely) move on.

The 2025 quarterback depth chart will undoubtedly be influenced by the performances and progress of these three players, along with the addition of any incoming recruits. LSU’s recruiting pipeline under Coach Brian Kelly is solid, and this depth chart will be shaped by both internal development and external talent.

Projecting the 2025 Quarterback Depth Chart

In projecting LSU’s quarterback depth chart for 2025, several factors need to be considered:

1. Jayden Daniels’ Departure: By the 2025 season, Daniels will likely have moved on to the NFL, barring an unforeseen change in plans. His leadership and dual-threat abilities are critical to LSU’s success in 2024, but after 2024, LSU will need a new signal-caller to step up.
2. Garrett Nussmeier’s Development: If Nussmeier’s development continues as expected in 2024, he will be a prime candidate to take over the starting job in 2025. Nussmeier has all the tools you look for in a modern college quarterback—strong arm, mobility, and a high football IQ. However, he will need to prove that he can handle the pressures of being a full-time starter, especially in high-stakes SEC games.
3. Walker Howard’s Future: Walker Howard, if he remains at LSU and develops in the system, could also be a strong contender for the starting role in 2025. His skill set is polished, and as he spends more time in the program, his growth could quickly elevate him into the conversation for starting quarterback. Howard’s upside is significant, and many expect him to be a future star for LSU, but like Nussmeier, he will need time to develop.
4. Recruiting and Transfers: LSU is consistently among the top recruiting programs in the country, and it is very possible that a new recruit enters the scene for the 2025 season. Additionally, with the rise of the transfer portal in college football, LSU could also look for a transfer who may provide a more immediate impact.

Starting Quarterback for 2025: Garrett Nussmeier

With a year of starting experience (2024) under his belt, Garrett Nussmeier emerges as the likely starting quarterback for LSU in 2025. Assuming Nussmeier has the chance to take over for Jayden Daniels in 2024, he will likely enter the 2025 season with a full season of experience and the confidence that comes with it.

Nussmeier’s growth will be the key factor in the 2025 depth chart. As a highly touted recruit, his raw talent is undeniable. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but he still has room to grow in terms of consistency, decision-making, and leadership. If Nussmeier can cut down on turnovers and show poise under pressure, he has the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC in 2025.

Given his ability to make all the throws, combined with his mobility, Nussmeier fits the mold of a modern college quarterback. His arm strength is elite, and while he still has some work to do on his touch and accuracy, he has all the tools to thrive in LSU’s system. Assuming he has a solid 2024 season and continues his development, Nussmeier will likely be LSU’s starting quarterback in 2025.

Backup Quarterback for 2025: Walker Howard

If Nussmeier wins the starting job in 2025, then Walker Howard is the next man up as the backup. By 2025, Howard will have had two full years in the program (one redshirt year and one full season of development) and should be ready to take on a larger role.

Howard, as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class, has immense potential. His mechanics are clean, and he has a polished arm, allowing him to make all the throws necessary to succeed in a pro-style offense. While Howard’s biggest challenge will be adjusting to the speed of the college game, he has a very high ceiling and the potential to be a starter in the SEC in 2026 if he doesn’t win the job outright in 2025.

As a backup in 2025, Howard will likely get significant playing time, especially if LSU is in a position to rest Nussmeier during blowouts or in non-conference games. He will be ready to step in should Nussmeier face injuries or struggles.

2025 Quarterback Depth Chart – Projected

1. Garrett Nussmeier (Starter)
   • Year: Junior (4th year in the program)
   • Strengths: Strong arm, mobility, high football IQ
   • Development needed: Consistency, leadership, decision-making under pressure
   • Outlook: Nussmeier has the highest upside of any LSU quarterback in the program in 2025. Assuming his 2024 season goes as planned, he should be primed for a strong 2025 campaign as the starting quarterback.
2. Walker Howard (Backup)
   • Year: Sophomore (3rd year in the program)
   • Strengths: Clean mechanics, ability to make all throws, high football IQ
   • Development needed: College experience, adjusting to SEC speed
   • Outlook: Howard is a future star for LSU. While he may not start in 2025, his upside is significant, and he will be an important backup who will gain valuable experience.
3. Incoming Freshman (Potential 3rd-string QB)
   • Year: Freshman
   • Strengths: Highly recruited, potential for early development
   • Outlook: LSU is always in the mix for top quarterback recruits, and by 2025, they may bring in another top prospect, though it is unlikely that they will play a major role unless there is an injury to Nussmeier or Howard.