Garrett Nussmeier’s reaction to his throwback photo gave LSU fans a chuckle — but it also reminded them why they’re excited for 2025
The once-green recruit in that picture is now one of the most crucial pieces in LSU’s pursuit of an SEC title and national prominence.
His journey is far from over. But if the past four years are any indication, Nussmeier isn’t just throwing footballs anymore — he’s throwing his name into the conversation as one of the most complete quarterbacks in college football.
And if LSU hoists a trophy in January 2026, that old photo might just get framed in the locker room — not as a joke, but as a symbol of how far Garrett Nussmeier, and LSU, have come.
Garrett Nussmeier and Jelani Watkins represent two different sides of LSU athletics, but their stories are now intertwined through mutual respect and shared goals.
Nussmeier’s shoutout was more than a social media moment—it was a reminder that great teams are built on relationships, not just raw numbers.
With both athletes poised for big seasons ahead, LSU fans have every reason to be excited—not just for touchdowns and trophies, but for the spirit of excellence that binds these young men together.
Whether it’s on the track, the field, or the podium, Tigers like Nussmeier and Watkins are redefining what it means to wear purple and gold.
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Garrett Nussmeier Applauds Jelani Watkins’ NCAA Track Heroics
A Story of Support, Speed, and Team Spirit
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU’s starting quarterback and a prominent Heisman Trophy hopeful, is no stranger to the spotlight.1
His performances on the gridiron have already made him a household name in Baton Rouge and beyond.
However, what truly sets Nussmeier apart is not just his cannon arm or poise under pressure—it’s his unwavering support for his teammates, both on and off the field.
This leadership quality was on full display recently when he celebrated one of his own, dual-sport athlete Jelani Watkins, for his accomplishments at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Rather than basking solely in his own football-related accolades, Nussmeier took a moment to uplift a teammate who had just made LSU history.
God is Good!
Can’t wait to jump on the sticks! Cover szn!#CFB26 #ad https://t.co/BLuEzLJxp7 pic.twitter.com/mg5PsbOXsu— Garrett Nussmeier (@Garrettnuss13) May 27, 2025
Jelani Watkins Shines on the National Stage
Jelani Watkins may be known primarily as a promising wide receiver for the LSU Tigers football team, but his speed has also made waves in collegiate track.
At the NCAA Championships held in Eugene, Oregon, Watkins stunned the crowd at Hayward Field by earning a bronze medal in the men’s 100-meter final, clocking in a blazing time of 10.092 seconds.
Watkins finished just 0.001 seconds behind the silver medalist, in what was one of the most tightly contested sprint finishes of the competition.
Not only was this a personal best for the young athlete, but it also marked a major milestone in LSU track history.
Garrett Nussmeier: Climbing the LSU Record Books
Watkins’ 10.092-second finish did more than secure a medal—it elevated him into elite company.2
According to LSU’s official athletics site (lsusports.net), that time earned him the No. 6 spot on LSU’s all-time performance list in the 100 meters. He leapfrogged over fellow teammate Myles Thomas and several other past Tiger greats.
It’s a remarkable achievement considering the rich tradition LSU has in sprinting events, dating back to Olympic medalists and national champions.
Watkins is proving that he belongs in that elite company, and he’s still only scratching the surface of his potential.
A One-Word Shoutout from a Star QB
Garrett Nussmeier didn’t need to write an essay to show his appreciation for Watkins’ success. On Saturday, the quarterback reshared an Instagram post highlighting Watkins’ bronze medal achievement and added a one-word caption: “DAWG.”
In football culture, being called a “dawg” is high praise—it’s a term reserved for tough, clutch, and elite competitors. In that single word, Nussmeier captured the admiration and pride he felt for his teammate, who had just sprinted his way into Tiger history.
The post wasn’t just an act of encouragement—it was a public endorsement that helped shine a spotlight on a moment some might have missed amid the summer football buzz. It’s another reason why Nussmeier is viewed as a respected leader in the locker room.
A Multi-Talented Athlete on the Rise
Watkins’ success in track is no anomaly. As a dual-sport athlete, he’s long been recognized for his remarkable speed and athleticism—traits that translate beautifully to the football field.
With the Tigers, he brings a dangerous vertical threat as a wide receiver, capable of outrunning even the fastest defensive backs.
His performance in Eugene proved that his speed isn’t just “football fast”—it’s world-class.
Running a 10.09 in the 100 meters puts Watkins among the top young sprinters in the country, and his 200-meter personal best of 20.61 seconds, recorded just a day earlier, reinforced his reputation as one of LSU’s most explosive athletes.
LSU’s Overall Performance at the NCAA Championships
Though Watkins’ medal was the highlight for many LSU fans, it also played a crucial role in the team’s overall showing.
The LSU men’s squad finished 28th in the overall standings, earning 11.33 points, thanks in part to Watkins’ contributions in both the 100 and 200 meters.
While the finish may not have placed them at the top of the rankings, Watkins’ efforts proved invaluable. He was not only a point-scorer but a tone-setter for the team—someone whose individual performance elevated the Tigers’ national presence in track and field.
Garrett Nussmeier: Building Chemistry Through Shared Respect
In collegiate athletics, chemistry and camaraderie can often define success more than raw talent alone.3
Nussmeier’s support of Watkins isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a glimpse into the kind of culture LSU is cultivating.
By publicly celebrating achievements across sports, LSU athletes are showing mutual respect that strengthens the broader athletic community.
This cross-sport solidarity builds school pride and reminds recruits and fans alike that LSU is more than just a football factory—it’s a place where excellence is pursued in every arena.
A Glimpse Into LSU’s Future: Track and Football
As LSU looks ahead to the upcoming football season, the Tigers will count on players like Watkins to be dynamic weapons in the offense.
With his track experience sharpening his speed and endurance, Watkins could emerge as a breakout star in the SEC.
The skills he continues to hone on the track—explosiveness out of the blocks, top-end speed, and mental focus—are directly transferable to his role as a wide receiver.
And with a top-tier quarterback like Nussmeier throwing the passes, that QB-WR connection has the potential to be electric.
Heisman Buzz and Team-First Mentality
As Nussmeier enters the 2024 season with Heisman aspirations, moments like these show why he’s such a strong candidate—not only for his talent but also for his leadership. He embodies the values that define LSU sports: grit, unity, and humility.
In a time when many top players focus solely on self-promotion, Nussmeier’s praise of Watkins signals a team-first mentality. He knows that individual accolades often follow collective success, and that promoting teammates only helps build momentum.
Watkins’ Path Forward: A Dual-Sport Star to Watch
Jelani Watkins has now solidified his status as a legitimate dual-sport athlete to watch.
Whether he’s torching defenders on the football field or flying down the track in national competitions, he’s showing fans and scouts that his ceiling is incredibly high.
If Watkins continues on this trajectory, he could soon find himself at the forefront of two sports simultaneously—possibly even setting himself up for Olympic consideration while also preparing for a pro football career.
That dual-dream is rare, but not impossible, especially with support from teammates and a program like LSU behind him.
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Garrett Nussmeier Reacts to His LSU Journey
The Viral Throwback That Sparked Nostalgia
When LSU’s official football Instagram page dropped a throwback photo of Garrett Nussmeier last Friday, it was a lighthearted moment that rippled through Tiger Nation.
The image showed a young, baby-faced Nussmeier in his No. 13 jersey, tossing a football with a wide-eyed, eager look — a far cry from the poised, confident leader he is today.
“Bro 😂😂😂,” Nussmeier commented under the post, drawing laughter and affectionate replies from fans and teammates. The image served as a fun reminder of just how far the quarterback has come in his journey with the Tigers.
But behind that short, laughing emoji-filled reply is a story of perseverance, growth, and grit.
Early Days at LSU: The Learning Curve Begins
Nussmeier arrived in Baton Rouge in 2021 as a highly touted four-star recruit from Flower Mound, Texas.
With quarterback DNA passed down from his father, former NFL QB and coach Doug Nussmeier, expectations were high — but so was the competition.
That same year, LSU was still trying to stabilize its quarterback room following the departure of Joe Burrow.
Over the next few seasons, Nussmeier was in and out of the starting conversation. He often played second fiddle to Jayden Daniels, a dynamic dual-threat transfer who helped anchor LSU’s offense.
Still, Nussmeier used those years to quietly improve, refine his reads, grow his confidence, and master the playbook.
2024 ReliaQuest Bowl: The Breakout Moment
Everything changed at the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl. With Daniels opting out for the NFL Draft, the stage was finally Nussmeier’s. And he delivered in spectacular fashion.
Nussmeier lit up the stat sheet, throwing for 395 yards and three touchdowns, earning MVP honors and making a statement to everyone watching: the future of LSU football was in good hands.
It was the type of game that separates backups from leaders. Coaches, analysts, and fans could see that this wasn’t just a talented arm — it was a quarterback who had matured, bided his time, and was ready to lead.
Garrett Nussmeier: Ascending to the QB1 Role in 2024
Following his bowl game heroics, Nussmeier was named the starting quarterback for the 2024 season.
Under his leadership, LSU’s offense remained one of the most potent in the SEC. Nussmeier finished the season with impressive numbers:
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4,052 passing yards
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64.2% completion rate
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29 touchdowns
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12 interceptions
These stats not only cemented his status as one of the top returning QBs in the nation but also reassured Tiger fans that the team’s offensive identity was in capable hands post-Daniels.
Chemistry with Offensive Weapons
Nussmeier’s 2024 success wasn’t just about personal growth. It was also about his ability to develop chemistry with LSU’s talented skill players. His timing with receivers, pocket awareness, and improved decision-making stood out.
He displayed particular poise under pressure, often using his quick release and improved footwork to make plays even when the protection broke down.
And while not a run-first quarterback like Daniels, Nussmeier showed enough mobility to extend plays and keep defenses honest.
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A Defense to Match the Offense
While the offense, led by Nussmeier, will once again draw headlines, LSU’s defense is quietly shaping up to be a formidable unit. Key returners include:
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Harold Perkins – A game-wrecking linebacker known for his speed and versatility.
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Whit Weeks – Another impact linebacker with sharp instincts.
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Bernard Gooden – A disruptive force at defensive tackle.
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PJ Woodland & Javien Toviano – Cornerbacks who gained valuable experience last year.
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Jardin Gilbert & Dashawn Spears – Reliable safeties expected to lead the secondary.
This defensive core will give LSU a balanced look and relieve pressure from Nussmeier and the offense in high-stakes matchups.
NFL Potential? Scouts Are Watching
With his 2024 stats and bowl MVP performance, NFL scouts have begun to take a much closer look at Nussmeier as a potential 2026 NFL Draft pick.
While he isn’t quite in the same tier as past LSU standouts like Burrow or Daniels yet, a strong 2025 season — especially against SEC competition — could elevate his stock.
What scouts love about him:
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Excellent mechanics
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Field awareness and anticipation
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Strong arm and quick release
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Leadership traits
If he continues to develop, don’t be surprised if he’s invited to the Senior Bowl or NFL Combine next year.
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