LSU’s quarterback situation took a dramatic turn heading into Saturday’s Week 12 SEC matchup against Arkansas. Garrett Nussmeier, the Tigers’ starting signal-caller, has been downgraded to doubtful after aggravating an abdominal injury during Thursday’s practice. He initially appeared on the SEC Availability Report as “probable,” but things clearly changed overnight.
Interim head coach Frank Wilson didn’t hide his concern, saying, “A little nagging injury reoccurred itself with Garrett Nussmeier… something that we need to monitor and continue to watch.” By Friday, the tone had shifted, and reports suggested LSU would likely be without its starter. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz added fuel to the speculation, noting that it’s “increasingly likely” Nussmeier won’t start, with sophomore Michael Van Buren expected to take over.
If Van Buren does get the nod, LSU may also be forced to burn his redshirt adding another layer of complication for a team already dealing with turnover, a coaching change, and a three-game losing streak.
A Very Different LSU Offense Without Nussmeier
Nussmeier has had an uneven season, completing 194 passes for 1,927 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions across nine games, far below the expectations placed on him coming into 2025 with many predicting him to be a Heisman contender. Still, his style and experience brought a level of stability to LSU’s offense. He’s a traditional pocket passer who prefers structure, timing, and rhythm, and he entered this week already nursing multiple minor injuries. Mobility was not part of his game.
Van Buren, however, changes things.
The former Mississippi State quarterback brings a dual-threat ability that Arkansas must account for. He’s comfortable operating from the pocket, but he has no hesitation to pull the ball down and run when lanes open. As a true freshman at Mississippi State, he completed 140-of-256 passes for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while adding five rushing scores. Nothing eye-popping on paper, but that production came in the SEC, on a rebuilding roster, after he was unexpectedly thrust into the starting job when Blake Shapen went down.
He’s young, raw, and inconsistent but dangerous. And for Arkansas, that changes the entire approach.
How Arkansas’ Defense Must Adjust
Arkansas’ defense has been the weak link this season, and preparing all week for Nussmeier’s pocket-heavy, timing-based attack is very different from preparing for Van Buren’s mobility and improvisation.
A last-minute QB shift can throw a defense off, especially when the backup has a radically different play style. Interim defensive coordinator Chris Wilson must now pivot quickly.
Forcing Van Buren to beat them with his arm should be the top priority. That means:
– Bringing pressure early
– Keeping a tight contain to prevent scramble lanes
– Disrupting his reads and timing
– Making him process quickly under duress
LSU’s run game hasn’t been dynamic enough to scare opponents, so making the Tigers one-dimensional increases Arkansas’ chances dramatically. Van Buren can create explosive plays, but he can also make risky throws, something Arkansas must exploit.
Why This Matters for Arkansas’ Upset Hopes
This matchup already shaped up as a contrast of strengths and weaknesses. LSU’s offense has struggled to score on FBS opponents, while Arkansas has shown a knack for explosive plays behind Taylen Green despite a disappointing 2–7 record. The Hogs have lost five of their last seven games by six points or fewer. This shows they fight, even when outmatched.
Now, with LSU likely turning to a young quarterback who may be forced to play more than expected, Arkansas has a real opportunity to flip this game.
The Razorbacks need their defense to force chaos, capitalize on mistakes, and make Van Buren win from the pocket. If they do, they can finally break through for their first SEC win and deliver a much-needed upset.
This is a matchup defined by uncertainty, injuries, and interim head coaches. And with LSU’s quarterback picture suddenly shifting, Arkansas’ path to victory just got a little clearer, if they can seize it.