College Football
Photo by Gene Gallin on Unsplash

Garrett Nussmeier, the starting quarterback for Louisiana State University (LSU), was helped off the field during a closed fall camp practice earlier this week, prompting immediate online speculation that he had torn his ACL. The incident, which occurred in early August, caused concern among fans and sports analysts due to Nussmeier's critical role in the Tigers' upcoming 2025 season. However, multiple LSU insiders and media outlets have denied reports of any major injury, confirming the quarterback is expected to be fine.

How the ACL Rumour Spread Across Social Media

The speculation began after attendees at LSU's closed practice session reportedly observed Nussmeier being assisted off the field following what appeared to be a non-contact injury. With no official footage released, speculation spread quickly through fan accounts and social media platforms, with rumours circulating that the junior quarterback had suffered a torn ACL, a potentially season-ending injury.

EssentiallySports reported that unverified posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were misinterpreted and amplified by fan pages, sparking widespread concern among LSU supporters and college football fans. The outlet also noted that the lack of immediate official clarification allowed misinformation to spread unchecked.

Insiders and Reporters Quickly Debunk Injury Claims

As the rumour gained traction, several LSU beat reporters and insiders moved swiftly to clear up the confusion. Bleacher Report stated that Nussmeier 'did not suffer a major injury' and is reportedly 'OK'. Wilson Alexander of The Advocate similarly reported that the quarterback was in good condition. Other LSU-focused outlets, including Tiger Rag and Death Valley Voice, also confirmed that Nussmeier was not seriously hurt.

'Nuss is fine', one source told Death Valley Voice. 'There's nothing to panic about.' Likewise, EssentiallySports and WDSU described the initial reports as false and emphasised that the quarterback would continue participating in preparation for the new season.

Details Emerge on the Practice Incident

Insider reports indicate that Nussmeier experienced a minor tweak to his knee but remained mobile and alert. Contrary to social media claims, he was not carted off the field and required no immediate medical intervention beyond a precautionary evaluation. Observers later confirmed that the quarterback walked off on his own.

There has been no confirmation of any ligament damage, nor any indication of surgery, casting, or an extended recovery period. The absence of follow-up medical reports from the programme suggests the injury was minor.

Why Nussmeier's Status Is Critical for LSU

The rapid response to the rumour reflected not only concern for the player's health but also his importance to LSU's 2025 season. Nussmeier, who posted 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in the 2024 campaign, is considered a key figure in the Tigers' pursuit of an SEC title and a national playoff berth.

Having earned the starting role following Jayden Daniels' move to the NFL, Nussmeier is also seen as a potential Heisman candidate. LSU's offence has been structured around his passing ability, with returning starters and new transfers relying on his leadership.

LSU Confirms Nussmeier Still on Track to Start Season Opener

LSU is set to open its 2025 campaign with a high-profile clash against Clemson on 30 August. Despite the practice scare, team sources confirm there is no change to the starting depth chart. Garrett Nussmeier remains on track to start in Week 1, and preparations continue without disruption.

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