LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is not expected to play in the Texas Bowl on Tuesday, according to a report Monday from The Athletic.
Nussmeier, a freshman, is the Tigers’ only quarterback on scholarship but is one appearance away from losing his redshirt eligibility — playing in four games this season. LSU submitted a waiver to the NCAA requesting if he could play without sacrificing his status but, according to The Athletic, the appeal was denied.
The Athletic is also reporting that it was Nussmeier’s decision not to burn his eligibility for the game.
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Freshmen walk-on quarterbacks Tavion Faulk and Matt O’Dowd are expected to be the Tigers’ two options at quarterback against Kansas State. Faulk won a state championship at Carencro last season and is the nephew of LSU running backs coach Kevin Faulk, while O’Dowd passed up a scholarship offer from Davidson to join the Tigers.
Jontre Kirklin, a senior wideout, is a potential third option at quarterback. Kirklin played the position in high school and was a scout team quarterback for the Tigers in 2019.
LSU’s starting quarterback was sophomore Max Johnson, but Johnson transferred to Texas A&M on Dec. 17. The Tigers also have senior Myles Brennan, who entered the portal only to return to LSU on Dec. 16, but he hasn’t played a snap all season after breaking his left arm in August. He also declared himself unable to play in the bowl game and won’t rejoin the team until February.
Nussmeier threw for 329 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions this season.