LaNorris Sellers walks into 2025 with all the hype a quarterback could want. Top-10 draft projections, Heisman buzz, and scouts drooling over his physical tools. But there’s a problem: the numbers don’t quite match the noise. While Sellers grabs headlines, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is quietly building a case as the SEC’s most dangerous quarterback, armed with a fearless approach, with analysts picking him over the South Carolina star.
Why Are Analysts Choosing Garrett Nussmeier Over LaNorris Sellers?
South Carolina quarterback Sellers heads into 2025 with top-10 NFL Draft projections and early Heisman chatter, but questions persist about his overall production.
The numbers tell the story. In 2024, Sellers completed 196 of 299 pass attempts, posting a 65.6% completion rate with 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He added 674 yards and seven scores on the ground over 166 carries. Still, the statistics weren’t enough to sway some analysts.
On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman debated the SEC quarterback landscape, and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier drew the praise.
“I’m taking Garrett Nussmeier from LSU,” Staples said. “Garrett Nussmeier is going to throw for a million touchdowns this year.”
When Wasserman expressed surprise at the choice, Staples pointed directly to Sellers’ statistical output.
“He didn’t throw for that many TDs last year and actually didn’t run for as many as you think.”
With our second-round pick in the 2025 College Football QB fantasy draft, the Staples Centers select…
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier
“Garrett Nussmeier is gonna throw for a million touchdowns this year.”
— Centers GM Andy Staples pic.twitter.com/hgoDlKeNnY
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) July 21, 2025
The analysts also highlighted LSU’s aggressive offensive style, which perfectly fits Nussmeier’s strengths. He noted the Tigers often leaned away from the run game during tight contests in 2024.
“Nussmeier is just going to be a volume shooter. Like that offense,” Staples said. “That offense tended to abandon the run last year and just chuck it like crazy.”
While Sellers showed flashes in 2023 with a perfect 4-for-4 performance for 86 yards, two touchdowns, a 51-yard rushing effort, and one score on just five attempts, the spotlight continues to intensify. As the attention grows, consistency and production remain crucial for the South Carolina signal-caller.
Nussmeier, entering his fifth year, is expected to headline the SEC’s quarterback class with his aggressive approach and elevated preseason stock.
How Is Nussmeier Building on His Breakout Season?
After his first full season under center for LSU, Nussmeier is focused on building from his 2024 performance. The fifth-year signal-caller threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns last season and is using that experience to refine his game.
“Just having last year to be able to go back on now and watch, you know, study, this entire offseason has been about that for me,” Nussmeier said.
Nussmeier has been analyzing every snap, identifying areas for improvement and sharpening his strengths.
“Just watching all parts of the game, seeing the areas where I need to be critical on myself on and improve at, whether it’s taking care of the football or using my legs more in situations that I need to,” Nussmeier said. “It’s also been about seeing the things I did well.”
With LSU reworking its wide receiver group through the transfer portal, Nussmeier has focused on timing and chemistry, especially with returning pass catchers Chris Hilton and Aaron Anderson.
“Having confidence in that and confidence that this is what I was able to do in year one and now it’s just all I got to do is raise the floor,” Nussmeier said. “I think that obviously my goals are our team goals.”
With preseason rankings already placing Nussmeier at the top of SEC quarterback lists, the LSU signal-caller has positioned himself as the conference’s most intriguing storyline heading into 2025. His volume-heavy approach and proven production offer a compelling counter-narrative to the physical tools and draft projections that have made Sellers the bigger name. The question is whether statistical output or pure potential will prove more valuable during the season.
