“I Love the LSU Tigers, and I Won’t Leave When My Team Needs Me”: LSU QB Declares Loyalty Amid Bryce Underwood Drama
The LSU Tigers secured a confidence-restoring win over Vanderbilt on Saturday, but the victory couldn’t completely overshadow the turbulence surrounding the team in recent days. The spotlight has been on Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, who flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan following the Tigers’ three-game losing streak.
Amidst the commotion, LSU’s starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier delivered a heartfelt message of loyalty, doubling down on his commitment to the program.
“I love the LSU Tigers, and I won’t leave when my team needs me,” Nussmeier declared after the game, emphasizing his dedication to leading the Tigers through adversity.
Bryce Underwood’s Flip Sparks Drama
Underwood’s decision to decommit from LSU sent shockwaves through college football. The highly touted quarterback from Belleville, Michigan, had been a cornerstone of LSU’s recruiting class and was expected to be a game-changer for the program. However, Michigan’s persistent courting, bolstered by hefty NIL packages, proved too enticing to resist.
The loss of Underwood was a bitter blow for LSU fans and the coaching staff, particularly after the team’s recent struggles.
Brian Kelly Addresses the Situation
After the victory over Vanderbilt, LSU head coach Brian Kelly addressed the Underwood saga, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present team rather than dwelling on recruiting setbacks.
“Recruiting doesn’t mean a whole heck of a lot when you’re talking about your football team in the present,” Kelly stated. “Yeah, you’re disappointed because you’ve put many, many years into recruiting, but it really didn’t affect the core of what we wanted to accomplish, and that was we wanted to finish this football game.”
Players Stand United
LSU’s players echoed Kelly’s sentiments, choosing to focus on the teammates in the locker room rather than the noise surrounding Underwood’s departure.
“We’re focused on who we got in the locker room, the guys that want to be here,” Nussmeier said. “At the end of the day, we want people that want to be here, that want to come play for coach Kelly, that want to come play for LSU, want to rep the purple and gold, that actually care about the three letters.”
Team captain Josh Williams, a sixth-year running back, also weighed in, acknowledging the disappointment but stressing the need to move forward.
“We’d love to have (Underwood), but he has a choice to make his own decisions, and we got to live with that,” Williams said.
Trevor Lawrence Sends Support
Former Clemson Tigers quarterback and NFL star Trevor Lawrence added to the conversation, sending an emotional message of support to both LSU and Underwood. “Adversity defines champions. LSU will find their path, and Bryce Underwood has to follow his heart,” Lawrence shared in a social media post, encouraging both sides to focus on their futures.
Looking Ahead for LSU
While Underwood’s decision marks a significant recruiting loss, LSU’s victory over Vanderbilt offered a glimmer of hope for the Tigers’ future. Nussmeier’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the program have become a rallying point for the team as they navigate this challenging period.
As the Tigers close out the season, they remain determined to build a program centered on loyalty, hard work, and a shared vision for success.
Stay tuned for updates on LSU football and the evolving college recruiting landscape.
