Garrett Nussmeier will once again serve as LSU’s backup quarterback but entering his third season in Baton Rouge, there’s no place he’d rather be.

With standout Jayden Daniels firmly entrenched, Nussmeier could’ve had a better opportunity of starting at a different program. Instead, his roots to his home state and his desire to serve the program in its quest for a national title were the swaying factors.

“Coming back, I don’t think it was that hard of a decision for me. This is where I want to be. My roots are in this state. This is my home. It means something to me to represent LSU and to represent this state and these fans,” Nussmeier said. “Also, with my teammates and coaches, I’ve learned to build relationships with the new staff. I have a lot of love for them. With my teammates, I wanted to finish what we started.”

Nussmeier isn’t resting on his laurels as the backup and is taking an active approach towards self-improvement in case his number is called.

Nussmeier, who amassed 467 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions combined in the SEC title game and Citrus Bowl in relief of Daniels, is expected to take over as starter after Daniels’ career is over.

“I think what I wanted to get out of this year was the same thing I want to get out of any year. It’s just continuing to get better. Never accepting of what I am,” Nussmeier said. “I’m always in competition with what I have the potential to be, not with what I am now. I think that’s kind of the mindset that I’ve taken.”