In December, Texas quarterback Arch Manning and LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier could be sitting next to each other in New York City waiting to see which name will be called as the winner of the Heisman Trophy. Turns out, they’ll already be good friends if that happens.
The two Louisiana natives are both from football families. Manning’s two uncles and grandfather all played in the NFL. Nussmeier is the son of a longtime college and NFL coach.
While they might be rivals in the SEC and for national awards, they two were paired up as roommates at the Manning Passing Academy this year. According to Manning, the two have become close. They even did some marketing for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers together.
“I love Garrett, he’s the man,” Manning said of Nussmeier, per On3. “He’s a coach’s kid, so he knows ball. We went to Walmart last night and got food. So he’s the man. I’m glad — I’m gonna build a good relationship with him.”
According to the LSU signal calling, the feeling is mutual.
“It means a lot to me,” Nussmeier said of Manning’s comments, per On3. “I love Arch. He’s a really good player. Want nothing but the best for him. He may say that he looks up to me, but there are definitely parts of me that looks up to him, too. His ability, his swagger, his mindset. It’s something that is really fun to watch. He’s a really, really good player. … Definitely rooting for him, and I’m very appreciative of him.”
Manning and Nussmeier currently hold the first and second best odds to win the Heisman this season and will get compared to each other all season. While they won’t meet during the regular season, Texas and LSU could matchup in the SEC championship or College Football Playoff.
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @LonghornsWire.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas QB Arch Manning, LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier becoming good friends this offseason
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
