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Brian Kelly took to the podium at SEC Media Days as he spoke on the LSU Tigers’ outlook for the upcoming season. In doing so, he inadvertently cast doubt on a rival’s national championship chances.
The head coach was asked about quarterback play and its importance to success in the conference. He doesn’t believe the Texas Longhorns are positioned for a title run.
Kelly has the luxury of having stability at the quarterback position. Garrett Nussmeier threw for 4,052 yards a season ago, tops amongst returning NCAA signal callers.
Experience, he believes, is the key to success. Having a veteran passer leading the offensive charge is a must.
#LSU coach Brian Kelly at @SEC Media Days on QB Garrett Nussmeier: “Experience is gonna be his best teacher in the SEC, having played a year in the SEC and seeing what needs to happen in a consistent basis.” pic.twitter.com/mIJKOWmklo
— Chip Brown (@ChipBrown247) July 14, 2025
Kelly compared Nussmeier to former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels. “The growth from Jayden Daniels from Year 1 to Year 2 was astronomical,” he said. “Garrett Nussmeier will have a similar jump. Experience is the most important thing.”
Brian Kelly does not believe in Arch Manning.
Texas does not fit that mold. The Longhorns lost three-year starter Quinn Ewers. Arch Manning will be his replacement under center.
Manning started two games last year while Ewers was out with an injury. He went 2-0 in those matchups before being relegated back to bench duty as Ewers’ health improved.
Most tab Texas as an SEC and national title contender despite the change at quarterback. Some believe Manning can be better than Ewers when all is said and done.
They may be right, but Brian Kelly anticipates that there will be growing pains as he adapts to his new role as full-time starter.
Kelly isn’t the only person doubting the championship outlook of the Texas Longhorns. Former SEC head coach Steve Spurrier took a preseason shot at Arch Manning earlier this summer.
“Most people are picking Texas to win the SEC,” he said. “They’ve got Arch Manning already winning the Heisman, too. My question is: If he was this good, how come they let Quinn Ewers play all the time last year? And he was a 7th round pick.”
Spurrier insinuated that Manning wasn’t good enough last year. It was evident by his place on the depth chart. He’s not quite ready to buy into the hype knowing how difficult playing quarterback in the SEC can be.
Brian Kelly echoed those sentiments at SEC Media Days. He’s not ready to crown the Longhorns champs!