LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s absence from the preseason All-SEC roster has stirred backlash, with analysts condemning the SEC media for what many are calling a clear “snub.”
Nussmeier, who closed last season on a high note and enters 2025 with major expectations, was left off in favor of South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers. The move has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the thinking that led to his omission.
LaNorris Sellers Over Garrett Nussmeier? Analysts Say SEC Media Snubbed Star QB
The SEC preseason All-Conference team announcement has drawn sharp criticism after Nussmeier was left off the first team in favor of Sellers. The decision has stirred intense backlash from media figures, including analyst Matt Moscona, who called the situation “absurd” and accused the SEC media of laziness.
On his show Locked On LSU, Moscona dismantled the logic behind Sellers’ selection.
“Kick rocks with this stupid LaNorris Sellers conversation,” he said. “For half of last season, LaNorris Sellers couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a freaking boat.”
While Sellers’ athleticism has drawn attention, Moscona pointed to more reliable performance metrics.
“Garrett Nussmeier threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 picks,” he said, contrasting it with Sellers’ 2,534 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. “Across the board, Garrett Nussmeier had a better season than LaNorris Sellers.”
Moscona also highlighted that only 204 media members actually submitted ballots, despite many more being credentialed.
“Only about 20 percent of the media gathered actually bothered to fill out a ballot,” he said. “Take all of this with a grain of salt for what it’s worth.”
He acknowledged that even among his own colleagues at 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge, few took part in voting. “I know three of us didn’t,” he added.
Further dismantling Sellers’ candidacy, Moscona pointed to LSU’s win over South Carolina in Columbia, noting that while Sellers was injured in the second half, Nussmeier still led his team to victory.
“Garrett Nussmeier threw for more yardage, accounted for more touchdowns, accounted for about a thousand yards more of total offense,” Moscona emphasized.
Moscona Blasts SEC Media Over Bias
Moscona also questioned the media’s understanding of player performance across the SEC.
“What people think they know about Garrett Nussmeier is he throws interceptions,” he said. “Not a single one of them knew that Garrett Nussmeier was the leading returning passer in all of college football.”
For Moscona, what matters more than preseason lists is how the season ends.
“LaNorris Sellers can have his preseason media All-Conference award,” he said. “What I’m going to be more interested in is what happens when South Carolina comes to Baton Rouge this year.”
He closed by saying he expects Nussmeier to finish the season atop the conversation, just as Joe Burrow did in 2019.
Media ballots in Atlanta placed seven Tigers on All‑SEC teams: Nussmeier, running back Caden Durham and wideout Aaron Anderson earned Second‑Team Offense; linebacker Whit Weeks landed First‑Team Offense; defender Harold Perkins secured Second‑Team Defense; and return specialists Barion Brown and Zavion Thomas claimed Second‑Team Special‑Teams honors.