LSU’s New QB Michael Van Buren Explains Why He Chose the Tigers from the Transfer Portal

When Michael Van Buren prepared for his first college start at Mississippi State, he didn’t just study his opponent—he visualized his success. The night before facing Texas, Van Buren was already imagining himself making plays against one of the toughest defenses in the country. It was part of his pregame routine, a method to build confidence and ready himself for whatever challenge was ahead.

Van Buren’s calm, focused demeanor and dedication to preparation have been hallmarks of his journey from high school prodigy to SEC starter. Even as a true freshman, he managed to hold his own under the bright lights of the Southeastern Conference, putting together an impressive season despite his team’s struggles. Completing 54.7% of his throws for 1,889 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions for a 2-10 Mississippi State squad, Van Buren also added five rushing touchdowns to his résumé.

However, after entering the transfer portal, Van Buren made the decision to leave behind a tumultuous season and start fresh at LSU, joining the Tigers in 2024. With three years of eligibility remaining, Van Buren will spend this year as a backup to Garrett Nussmeier, but his ultimate goal is clear: compete for the starting job in 2026.

In many ways, Van Buren’s decision to transfer to LSU mirrors his entire career trajectory. After his freshman year at Mississippi State, which included moments of brilliance—like throwing for 306 yards and three touchdowns in a loss at Georgia—he recognized the need for a fresh start. LSU’s history of developing quarterbacks, including producing two Heisman winners in recent years, made Baton Rouge an attractive landing spot.

“I felt like it was the best fit for me,” Van Buren said of his decision to sign with LSU after considering offers from Central Florida and Kentucky. His choice wasn’t solely about escaping Mississippi State’s tough season, but about aligning himself with a program that had a proven track record of quarterback development.

At LSU, Van Buren will be competing with Nussmeier, who is expected to start next season. But as head coach Brian Kelly pointed out, competition is healthy for any program, and Van Buren’s experience as a starter in the SEC is invaluable. “Michael is going to compete with Garrett,” Kelly said. “We wanted to bring Michael in because he’s somebody that has started in the SEC, and we want to create competition at every position.”

This kind of competition is something Van Buren thrives on. From his days at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, where he took over the starting role midway through his sophomore year, Van Buren has learned how to excel when the pressure is on. His first game as a starter at St. Frances was an ESPN-broadcasted clash at De La Salle High in California, where he threw four touchdowns in the first half of a 42-28 victory. Unfazed by the national spotlight, he viewed the opportunity as a chance to showcase his talent to the world.

“It doesn’t happen just because you’re a good athlete,” said Russell Thomas, Van Buren’s mentor and trainer. “You can see the pattern of him being prepared to contribute along the way.”

That preparedness has carried him through every step of his career, whether at Mississippi State or as he prepares for his next chapter at LSU. Van Buren’s journey has been defined by resilience and a constant focus on improvement. Despite his standout moments, he is the first to admit that his freshman season was a learning experience. “I learned what I can and can’t do,” he reflected. “I want to build on that experience and keep improving.”

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As for next season, while he will likely play a backup role behind Nussmeier, Van Buren is already focused on doing whatever it takes to help the team, whether that means contributing from the sideline or stepping in if needed. Thomas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Van Buren’s goal is not to look at the competition as an obstacle but as an opportunity to grow.

“His number’s going to get called probably at some point, and he just wants to be ready and prepared,” Thomas said. “He’s going to compete like he always does.”

For Van Buren, LSU isn’t just a fresh start—it’s a chance to continue his development in a program with a legacy of great quarterbacks. He knows that the path to success at LSU is not an easy one, but it’s one he is eager to walk. Looking ahead to the future, he wants to follow in the footsteps of LSU’s greats, like Joe Burrow, and work tirelessly to develop his game.

“I can picture myself being able to do the same thing,” Van Buren said. “Working as hard as I can, developing myself and being able to do the same or even more.”

With the Tigers set to reload under Kelly’s leadership, and with a talented quarterback like Van Buren waiting in the wings, LSU’s future at the position looks incredibly bright. For Van Buren, the next chapter is just beginning—but if his past is any indication, it’s one that will be defined by hard work, determination, and an unwavering belief in his preparation.