What exactly is the recipe for a top quarterback in college football? Is it arm talent? Or maybe pocket presence and that dual threat prowess, right? Or is it a strong and physical frame that always goes a long way? All these things are unquestionably important, but what matters the most is self-belief. Doing that in a favorable environment is indeed easy. But what happens when your head coach is just fired and you are presented with the choice of switching camps or staying put?

Notably, Brian Kelly at LSU was fired after getting his third defeat against Texas A&M, despite a whopping $53 million buyout. In his absence, LSU’s RB coach Frank Wilson will be the interim head coach for now, as a search remains for a permanent replacement. So, Garrett Nussmeier, after Brian Kelly’s firing, faces a conundrum about switching camps or staying put with Frank Wilson for the remainder of the season. But he might have some help in deciding, from none other than Texas A&M QB1 Marcel Reed.

Reed appeared on Kirk Herbstreit’s podcast recently and discussed why he chose to stay at Texas A&M despite Jimbo Fisher’s firing. “What made you stay at A&M? And what advice would you give to these players that have to go through this?” asked co-host Joey Galloway. Reed’s decision was fairly straightforward, despite feeling uncertain about his future at the crucial juncture. “Wasn’t too certain on who was coming in right after Jimbo got fired,” said Reed. The Nashville, Tennessee, native then described the things that made him stay.

“I figured out Coach Elko and Coach Klein were coming in. And I felt like I was in a good spot. I was still a freshman at the time, and  I understood that I had time to work and grow. So, I gave those two a chance and just let things work out, and see how they are now,” said Reed. The Aggies QB1 then gave out some advice to QBs in a similar situation to Garrett Nussmeier. “‘For the kids who are in this type of situation, I think it’s like the same message that I had. I mean, just work on. Try to wait for yourself to be developed.” That decision has paid massive dividends for Marcel Reed now.

The 6’1″ and 185 lbs QB came to College Station in the 2023 class as a 4-star recruit. Within that season, Jimbo Fisher, who recruited him, was fired in a high-profile firing, involving a $77 million buyout. Understandably, Reed had several years in his bag and decided to trust his new head coach, Mike Elko, and offensive coordinator Collin Klein. And it took no time for Marcel Reed to fit into Mike Elko’s plan as he delivered 1,864 passing and 547 rushing yards just last year. This year, too, the guy is highly prolific.

Marcel Reed has so far accumulated 1,972 yards in the air and 349 yards on the ground, showing pure dual-threat talent. The team, too, was set up around him to perform as Mike Elko brought receivers like KC Concepcion and Mario Craver. The result? Texas A&M is currently undefeated and has won against teams like Notre Dame, Auburn, and Florida.

Not to mention, Reed’s 202 passing and 108 rushing yards performance against LSU on the road became a prime catalyst in Brian Kelly’s firing. For context, the Aggies defeated LSU 49-25 and limited LSU to just 60 rushing yards. Right after the defeat, Brian Kelly was fired as the program made its intent clear about the standard LSU strives to be. It may then seem almost ironic for Nussmeier to take Reed’s advice, but he has to. Since his future heavily depends on it.

Garrett Nussmeier’s Natty hopes are still alive on a crucial decision

Unlike Reed at the time of Jimbo Fisher’s firing. Garrett Nussmeier doesn’t have the luxury of several or even a single extra year. The LSU QB1 is in his last year of eligibility, and the team has 4 more games to play. That also includes two tough teams in Alabama and Oklahoma. Moreover, a player can transfer after his head coach’s firing. Garrett Nussmeier has the choice to join any other team for the remainder of the season.

For instance, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are performing well in the season and have their playoff hopes intact. However, the team’s QB room is a problem after Behren Morton’s injury. So far, Joey McGuire has experimented with Will Hammond and Mitch Griffis, but when presented with a QB like Garrett Nussmeier. The team can truly make a Natty contention. Garrett then, can then switch or approach McGuire for the same and develop gradually in the system amid an easy game against Kansas State. But will he?

Nussmeier hasn’t been awful in the season and has produced some moments of brilliance. In total, the LSU QB1 has passed for 1,806 yards at 65.9% efficiency and can surely adapt in Texas Tech’s pass-heavy scheme. That way, he can also get very close to a natty contention, along with boosting his natty hopes. Not to mention his Heisman contention. That said, for now, Nussmeier has forgo playing further in the season and has decided to prepare for the 2026 NFL draft.