LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will not play on Saturday when the Tigers host Western Kentucky.
Interim LSU coach Frank Wilson announced the decision Thursday night when he met with reporters. Wilson said Nussmeier “wants to play” but is simply unable to do so. Nussmeier aggravated an abdominal injury recently. He did not play in last week’s 23-22 win over Arkansas.
With Nussmeier eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s possible he has played his final game at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers play at Oklahoma to close out the regular season on Nov. 29. It’s unclear if Nussmeier will be available for that game.
“I think there’s a want to for him,” Wilson said when asked if Nussmeier would try to play again this season. “But I also think there’s a consciousness of care and not to tear up scar tissues or make a matter worse than what it needs to be. There’s certainly a want. He wants to play. He’s just not able to at the moment.”
Michael Van Buren Jr. will make his second straight start at quarterback.
Last week, Van Buren completed 21 of his 31 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 10 times for 36 yards.
Wilson also said linebacker Whit Weeks is “probable” to play on Saturday. Weeks has missed each of the Tigers’ last 4 games while dealing with an ankle injury.
“He’s had a good week of practice ushering in and out and popping around,” Wilson said. “I thought he showed tremendous progress. He’s talking and feeling the right way. In what capacity and how much, I’m not sure, but right now, I would say he’s probable.”
Saturday’s game against Western Kentucky is slated to kick off at 7:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network. LSU is a 21.5-point favorite, per BetMGM.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
