LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was pulled from the Alabama game Saturday after taking a costly sack in the red zone in the third quarter.
No. 4 Alabama finished off a 20-9 victory which dropped LSU to 5-4 for the season.
For Nussmeier, who entered the season as one of the Heisman favorites and a potential first-round NFL Draft prospect, it is another chapter to what's been another disappointing season in Baton Rouge.
Here's more on the quarterback's benching.
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Why did LSU pull Garrett Nussmeier from game?
Garrett Nussmeier was benched in the third quarter of the game against Alabama. The decision was made in favor of backup Michael Van Buren, while LSU was trailing 17-6. The move came as the team was looking for an offensive spark.
Prior to the benching, Nussmeier was sacked for a 14-yard loss and LSU's offense had been struggling, only managing 131 yards in the first half and averaging a low 5.8 yards per pass.
LSU's offense is in the bottom half of the SEC, averaging 25.5 points per game.
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Who replaced Garrett Nussmeier?
Replacing Nussmeier at quarterback for LSU in the game against Alabama was Michael Van Buren.
Van Buren, a sophomore transfer from Mississippi State, entered the game in the third quarter after LSU had fallen behind 17-6.
Is Garrett Nussmeier injured?
It's been reported that Nussmeier has been dealing with an abdominal strain since before the season began, which his former head coach, Brian Kelly, previously confirmed. The injury was said to be slow to heal.
However, in updates prior to the Alabama game, it was noted that he was on the "back end" of the injury and his health was improving. His benching against Alabama was to lift the offense's struggles, rather than a specific injury during that game.
In the past, he had also dealt with a minor knee issue and a slight medial ankle sprain. His performance has been noted as inconsistent due to playing through these issues.
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Is Garrett Nussmeier's benching permanent?
It sounds like no decisions have been made on LSU's quarterback position moving forward. After the game, interim head coach Frank Harris said Nussmeier handled the decision well. He also added he hasn't thought much about the quarterback depth chart:
Frank Wilson III says he's proud of the way Garrett Nussmeier handled the change and continued to support Michael Van Buren Jr. And the rest of his teammates.
— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) November 9, 2025
"He was a great teammate. He was supportive of his teammate. He stayed engaged."
Says he hasn't thought about the QB…
Van Buren finished 5-for-11 passing for 52 yards.
Garrett Nussmeier stats vs Alabama
Nussmeier finished the game completing 18-of-21 passes for 121 yards, no touchdowns and an interception, to go along with two fumbles.
The benching in the third quarter, while LSU trailed 17-6, came after Nussmeier was ineffective in moving the ball and protecting it against the fierce Alabama defense.
His defining stat was the three critical turnovers that allowed Alabama's defense to set up easy scoring opportunities and contributed directly to the growing deficit.
He led the team to the red zone on the opening drive, but the field goal attempt was missed. The lack of points on this promising drive was an early sign of the offensive struggles.
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