LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier becomes standout star at Manning Passing Academy along with Quinn Ewers, Dillon Gabriel and more
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU's new starting quarterback, shined brightly at the renowned Manning Passing Academy, demonstrating his impressive skills among the nation's top college quarterbacks. As he stepped into his role as LSU’s leading QB, Nussmeier displayed a powerful arm, pinpoint accuracy and the ability to deliver precise throws from various distances.
Located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, the Manning Passing Academy is a special event catering to the best young American players. In 2021, Nussmeier — who is now a freshman — competed to gauge his abilities alongside other top young QBs. He came out as one of the showcase's brightest stars.
The academy's activities included several phases. There's a deep ball challenge, the main event (which requires participants to hit three moving golf carts from varying distances and also make a 40-plus-yard throw on the run into the “Kaboom” net), and then the Cane’s challenge, where quarterbacks attempt to throw a football into a basketball hoop from over 30 yards.
On3 highlighted Garrett Nussmeier's standout performance, stating:
“Nussmeier joined Jayden Daniels at the Manning Passing Academy a year ago, which also saw another Heisman finalist shine in Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Fast forward to 2024, and Nussmeier is taking the reins at LSU, a program that finished with college football’s No. 1 total offense in 2023,"
"Nussmeier then joined a trio of quarterbacks as the winners of the Cane’s Challenge after he sunk his lone attempt at a 30-foot throw into a basketball hoop in the final event of the night.”
With Cooper Manning providing commentary and Peyton and Eli Manning initiating each event with their own throws, over 45 college quarterbacks participated. They began with the deep ball challenge, followed by the main event. Only three quarterbacks managed to hit all three moving targets, culminating in a sudden-death competition to determine the FNL Quarterback Challenge title.
Garrett Nussmeier's Steady Rise and Growing Expectations for 2024 Season
Garrett Nussmeier, the LSU Tigers quarterback, has showcased significant growth throughout his college career. As a redshirt freshman in 2021, Nussmeier completed 29 of 57 passes, accumulating 329 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
His development continued in 2022, with 52 completions out of 84 attempts, 800 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions. By his redshirt sophomore season in 2023, Nussmeier improved further, recording 48 completions on 78 attempts for 591 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception.
Overall, Garrett Nussmeier has a career completion percentage of 58.9% and a passer rating of 135.1. Additionally, he has demonstrated versatility by rushing for 58 yards and scoring one touchdown. These statistics reflect his progression and growing command as a passer.
With the 2024 college football season pending, the SEC is looking forward to growing to 16 teams and having a new 12-team playoff system. Garrett Nussmeier's superb performance at the Manning Passing Academy has increased the standards for his leading the LSU offense.