LSU Quarterback Competition Rages, Orgeron Faces Tough Decisions

LSU is still attempting to replace arguably the greatest quarterback in school history: Joe Burrow.

At one point early in 2020, it looked like Myles Brennan would be the answer. Unfortunately, an injury created a window for the freshman duo of Max Johnson and TJ Finley to get into the competition for 2021.

Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron believes this is the deepest the quarterback position has been since he got to Baton Rouge. It might not be as top-heavy as it was with Burrow under center, but the talent runs a lot deeper.

“It's the best quarterback room. I mean, from top to bottom, we have four guys that are pretty good quarterbacks and they're all competing,” said Orgeron, via LSU Country.

So wait, we have mentioned Brennan, Johnson and Finley. Who is that fourth guy Orgeron is referring to? Well, true freshman Garrett Nussmeier is making quite the early impression. So much so that there have been comparisons made to Burrow.

Orgeron thinks that is too soon, though.

“I don’t wanna put that on him yet because Joe is very special but I do see some similarities that Garrett has as far as leadership, as far as competitiveness, ability to make plays," Orgeron later said. "I think he’s only going to get better here, I think he’s going to be a great quarterback here. I’m very pleased with him.”

That is an interesting development.

First, it looked like Brennan was the guy. Then Finley came in and looked like he had a bright future. His time as the starter didn't last long, however, and Johnson took full advantage of his opportunities in live game action.

Now it looks like Nussmeier is pushing his way into the competition as well. He was rated as a four-star, top-100 prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. So far, he is living up to the high school hype.

This is obviously great news for LSU. The better the competition, the better the players become. There are options here, and it's not just regular guys. There's talented options, and they're pushing each other.

Let's see which one emerges, whenever that may be.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.