Where LSU’s quarterback competition stands after Myles Brennan’s retirement, per USA TODAY Sports
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LSU has seen one of the tightest quarterback battles in the land, with neither of the three candidates separating themselves during spring ball.
The fall has been a bit of a different story, however, and we now have a lot more clarity about the situation after sixth-year quarterback Myles Brennan announced that he would leave the program and hang up his cleats when he was informed he would not be the starter.
Reports from practice leading up to Brennan’s decision indicated that Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier, the other two competitors, were splitting first-team reps.
Many assume that Daniels is now the frontrunner to win the job. A transfer from Arizona State, he brings three years of starting Power Five experience to the table, with most of it being positive. However, you can’t count out Nussmeier, who had some positive moments down the stretch in 2021 and was arguably the most impressive passer in the spring game.
USA TODAY Sports provided an update and predictions for several of the remaining high-profile quarterback battles, including LSU’s. Here’s the latest intel.
The competition lost a third contender with Myles Brennan’s decision to end his playing career. That leaves Daniels, who was new coach Brian Kelly’s pick from the portal, and Nussmeier, who had a very strong spring but has seemed to fade from contention in this key quarterback battle. If Kelly is more interested in experience and reliability in his first run through the SEC, Daniels’ multiple years starting at Arizona State could give him an insurmountable edge.
Prediction: Daniels. He may be on a shorter leash than most SEC starters, especially if the Tigers start slow in Kelly’s debut. If he does struggle, Daniels could be replaced by Nussmeier as LSU looks for an offensive spark. But after a down 2021, Daniels’ play should rebound when surrounded by the Tigers’ skill talent.
Certainly, an offense with players like Kayshon Boutte, Jack Bech, Malik Nabers, John Emery Jr. and Noah Cain should be an improvement from what Daniels had to work with in Tempe, and he does seem like the safest bet to win the job after Brennan’s departure.
Daniels’ experience should allow him to start the opener against Florida State, but if he struggles, it may not take much for Nussmeier to get a chance.
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Fans, media react to QB Myles Brennan's decision to retire
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