LSU to Be Without Three Starters for Texas Bowl Against Houston
LSU football will compete in the Texas Bowl shorthanded, as three important starters have been ruled out of the matchup against Houston. NOLA.com’s Wilson Alexander reported that cornerback Mansoor Delane, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, and linebacker Whit Weeks will all sit out due to injuries.
Nussmeier’s absence is not unexpected. He missed LSU’s final three games with a lingering core injury that dates back to fall camp. With his focus likely turning toward the NFL Draft and the Tigers eager to evaluate sophomore quarterback Michael Van Buren, there was little expectation that Nussmeier would return for the bowl game.
Weeks is also sidelined after suffering a broken ankle in LSU’s game against Ole Miss. Although he returned for the final two contests of the regular season, the bowl game presents an opportunity for him to prioritize recovery, whether he plans to return for his senior year or prepare for the NFL.
Delane is in a similar situation, having played through a core injury for much of the season. He is widely projected as a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, making his decision to sit out understandable.
While LSU has already tested its depth at quarterback and linebacker due to earlier absences from Nussmeier and Weeks, Delane’s unavailability will allow fans to see more of young cornerbacks D.J. Pickett and P.J. Woodland. Woodland had primarily worked in the slot when Delane was healthy.
The Tigers are set to face the Houston Cougars on December 27 at 8:15 p.m. CT.
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