In the world of college football where transferring schools has become more prevalent, Miller Moss from Southern California and Garrett Nussmeier from LSU serve as examples of how perseverance can lead to success. Despite being highly regarded recruits who initially played backup to Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks, they remained patient and are now set to start for their respective teams in the upcoming season. Moss and Nussmeier will face off in a season opener between No. 13 LSU and No. 23 USC on September 1 in Las Vegas.
Nussmeier, who waited three seasons at LSU behind Jayden Daniels, the 2024 Heisman winner, finally got his chance when Daniels opted out of the Reliaquest Bowl to prepare for the draft, leading LSU to victory with an impressive performance. On the other hand, Moss, also entering his fourth season, waited behind another Heisman winner, Caleb Williams, before shining in USC’s Holiday Bowl triumph over Louisville.
Apart from Moss and Nussmeier, several other players have opted to stay at their original schools, hoping to grab featured roles this season. Among them are Raheem Anderson and Greg Crippen from Michigan, Austin Bolt from Boise State, Nick Dawkins from Penn State, Gee Scott from Ohio State, DeVonta Smith from Alabama, and Jared Wilson from Georgia. These players, entering their fourth or fifth seasons, are poised to make significant contributions to their teams after biding their time and staying committed to their respective programs.
As the college football season approaches, the stories of these players highlight the value of dedication and patience in a landscape where transferring for better opportunities is prevalent. Their journeys serve as reminders that sometimes sticking it out and waiting for the right moment can lead to eventual success and fulfillment in the sport they love. Assistant Sports Editors Larry Lage and John Zenor contributed to this report.
