LSU Football To Make Quarterback Change Against Arkansas Amid Garrett Nussmeier Injury

Nussmeier has been downgraded to questionable on the latest SEC Availability Report, Michael Van Buren in line to start.

Sep 20, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) congratulates LSU Tigers quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (11) on a touchdown run against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been downgraded to questionable for Saturday's Week 12 SEC matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The Tigers' starting signal-caller aggravated an abdominal injury during LSU's practice on Thursday where he then landed on the SEC Availability Report as "probable" for this weekend against Arkansas.

“A little nagging injury reoccurred itself with Garrett Nussmeier today,” LSU interim head coach Wilson said on Thursday. “And so, I think he’s probable.

"A little bit concerning, something that we need to monitor and continue to watch with him as we head into the game.”

Now, fast forward to Friday night's SEC Availability Report, and Nussmeier has been downgraded to questionable with multiple reports stating that Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren is now in line to start.

"It’s looking increasingly likely that LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier won’t start vs. Arkansas tomorrow due to injury and that backup Michael Van Buren will end up getting the start," CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz wrote via X. "Final determination expected to be made tomorrow."

It’s looking increasingly likely that LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier won’t start vs. Arkansas tomorrow due to injury and that backup Michael Van Buren will end up getting the start, sources tell @CBSSports.

Final determination expected to be made tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ig6P8yvMFA

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) November 15, 2025

The injury comes at a time where Nussmeier is looking to regain the trust of the coaching staff after he was benched in Week 11 at Alabama.

Wilson and the LSU staff replaced Nussmeier with Van Buren at the 6:26 mark in the third quarter where the sophomore signal-caller closed out the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium last Saturday.

“At the end of the day we’re going to do what it takes to win the game,” Wilson said last week. “But Garrett Nussmeier is our starting quarterback.

"Michael Van Buren does have a skill set that can add value and help this football team win. And our intentions are to position ourselves to be able to do those things to give us every opportunity to win the football game.”

Now, it's looking likely that Van Buren will start on Saturday against the Arkansas Razorbacks when the LSU Tigers return to Death Valley for an SEC matchup. Kickoff is for 11:45 a.m. CT.

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier has been downgraded to questionable for Arkansas.

Michael Van Buren is in line to get the start if Nussmeier cannot go. https://t.co/btkt0g54qL pic.twitter.com/z4OmyO4r7A

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) November 15, 2025

The SEC Availability Report: Friday Edition

Arkansas Razorbacks

• DB Quentavius Scandrett – Out
• WR Monte Harrison – Out
• WR Jalen Brown – Out
• RB AJ Green – Out
• OL Shaq McRoy – Out
• TE Andreas Paaske – Out
• DL David Oke – Out
• DB Larry Worth III – Out (1st half)
• RB Braylen Russell – Doubtful
• DL Charlie Collins – Questionable

LSU Tigers

• WR Nic Anderson – Out
• DT Ahmad Breaux – Out
• DE Gabriel Reliford – Out
• OL Tyree Adams – Out
• LB Whit Weeks – Out
• QB Garrett Nussmeier – Questionable

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