Paul Finebaum Names Star QB Who Will be a Heisman Finalist originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2024 college football season marked the second time since 2016 that a non-quarterback won the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious award in college football.
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The coveted award is typically given to the most outstanding player in the sport, and it usually goes to a quarterback. However, last year, the trophy was awarded to Travis Hunter, a versatile star from the Colorado Buffaloes.
This year, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum suggests the award may return to a quarterback. On his show, “The Paul Finebaum Show,” the SEC Network analyst predicted the LSU Tigers will finish the season with a 10-2 record. With that success, he said he believes quarterback Garrett Nussmeier could potentially find himself in New York as a Heisman finalist.
LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
“If LSU has a big year, which is being projected,” Finebaum said, “a lot of the reason will be because Garrett Nussmeier is so good. He will be a Heisman finalist. If you tell me LSU is 10-2, and they’re a contender for the SEC, and they’re in the playoff, then I would be willing to bet you that Garrett Nussmeier will be on the front row of the Heisman presentation.”
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Nussmeier had an impressive season, throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns with 12 interceptions, while leading LSU to a 9-4 record. Finebaum stated that people he has spoken to believe Nussmeier could be the top player selected in the 2026 NFL draft.
However, Finebaum has been critical of Nussmeier’s inconsistent performance. During a challenging stretch in which the Tigers lost three consecutive games, Nussmeier struggled. In those three losses, he completed 56.8% of his passes for 904 yards, with four touchdowns and five interceptions.
Despite this, he bounced back in the final three games. He led LSU to three straight victories, completing 72.5% of his passes for 922 yards, throwing for seven touchdowns and only one interception.
Finebaum said that the Nussmeier fans saw in the latter part of the season could be the player they see this upcoming season. LSU is set to kick off the 2025 season against the Clemson Tigers on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football QB Who Had ‘Awkward Moments’ Last Season
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
