Garrett Nussmeier injury: LSU gets massive bad news on QB’s availability against Western Kentucky showdown

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier won't play against Western Kentucky in Week 13 on Saturday. Tigers interim coach Fran Wilson confirmed on Thursday that Nussmeier will miss the matchup against the Hilltoppers since the signal-caller is still dealing with an abdominal injury.

In Nussmeier's absence, Michael Van Buren will start as LSU's quarterback against Western Kentucky.

Nussmeier entered the 2025 season as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. However, a recurring abdominal injury that he suffered in the preseason hampered his quest for glory.

Nussmeier had been playing through the pain during the season. However, he re-aggravated his injury in practice last week.

Nussmeier also missed last week's game against Arkansas, which paved the way for Van Buren's first start of the season.

Van Buren did well in his first start of the season. He went 21 of 31 for 221 yards and a touchdown while adding 36 yards on 10 carries to lead LSU to a 23-22 win over the Razorbacks.

It will be interesting to see if Van Buren can lead LSU to victory over Western Kentucky on Saturday.

A look at Garrett Nussmeier's stats for LSU this season

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier - Source: Getty

Nussmeier has recorded 194 of 288 passes for 1,927 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He also has one rushing TD on 29 carries across nine starts.

Nussmeier is in his final collegiate season. He was considered an early first-round pick for the 2026 NFL draft.

LSU will finish its regular season against Oklahoma on Nov. 29. It's unclear whether Garrett will be healthy for that game.

However, it remains to be seen if Nussmeier's injury-ridden final year at LSU will have an impact on his draft stock.