LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier Slides Down 2026 NFL Draft Board

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the most challenging quarterback I’ve ever evaluated.

I assigned a first-round grade to the limited reps he had in 2023 and subsequently downgraded him to a second-round grade in his first season as a starter in 2024.

How did he look in 2025?

That’s a loaded question.

Nussmeier looked hot-and-cold for the second straight season on film. He started hot in three of his first four games. ESPN even put up a graphic against Southeast Louisiana showing that Nussmeier was a “Projected Top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.”

Then the wheels began coming off.

LSU lost four out of the next five games, and they ended up relieving head coach Brian Kelly of his duties on October 26 after the Texas A&M loss. Interim head coach Frank Wilson benched Nussmeier during the following loss to Alabama. Interesting timing.

Injury clouds his projection

Further complicating Nussmeier’s evaluation is the documented abdominal injury he was dealing with this season.

• LSU Wire (September 17), Kelly said, “[Nussmeier] has been slowed a little bit with a torso injury.” Within that report, it states, “A torso injury likely refers to an abdominal or oblique strain, both of which are key muscles used in throwing.”

• Tigers Rag (October 14) “Yeah, early on he had an ab strain,” Kelly said.

• ON3 (November 23) “Nussmeier finishes this season sidelined by an abdominal injury, which has bothered him for much of the year and that he has since reaggravated a week and a half ago.”

How did Nussmeier look on film this season?

• Fancy ball handling
• Good pocket awareness and movement
• Routinely makes two-to-three read throws
• Tends to get the ball out of his hand on time (Pro Football Focus 2025 time to throw: 2.47 seconds)
• Average to above-average anticipation
• Spreads the ball around

I really liked Nussmeier’s ability to keep defenses guessing where he would throw by looking off his first read, either with his eyes or by going play-action. I also appreciated his consistent ability to “throw to a spot” before his target arrived.

Biggest weaknesses?

• Decision making
• Deep passing game
• Stamina

For the second straight season, all three of these things remained an issue regardless of his injury.

Nussmeier continued showing momentary lapses of judgment, routinely throwing ill-advised passes. I charted 21 pass breakups (2.33 per game).

He went 9 of 21 (29%) on deep passes that I charted +20 yards.

Nussmeier also tends to wear down again as the season progresses in terms of energy and tempo.

#18 Garrett Nussmeier 6-foot-1, 205 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2026 NFL Draft Grade: Fourth-Round (I wouldn’t select him)

Projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to be a Second Round prospect as of December 19, 2025

Garrett Nussmeier is a Work in Progress (2024: 13 games evaluated)

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier Receives First Round Grade (2023: 6 games evaluated)

2025 game film evaluated: Clemson, Louisiana Tech, Florida, Southeast Louisiana, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and Alabama (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Dad Doug Nussmeier is the offensive coordinator of the Saints

2025: LSU run game ranked No. 121/136 (104.4 yards per game)

2025: 194/288 (67.4%) for 1,927 yards, 12 TD, 5 INT (29 carries)

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Doesn’t look like he was born to be a quarterback. Looks trained to be a quarterback. Tough. competitive. Attacks all three route levels. Downfield focused. Inconsistent footwork when throwing. Typically throws from a solid throwing base. Sometimes uses too much upper body and arm. Can lift his back foot when throwing. Tends to pat the ball. Poised. Strong screen game. Excels vs. zone. Has the arm strength to zip it into tight throwing windows vs. man. Can layer the ball at the intermediate level. Throws from different arm angles. Feel for pressure. Works well from a muddy pocket. Throws when he shouldn’t in a crowded pocket. Above-average accuracy rolling out to his right. Tends to draw PI deep. Struggled vs. pure three-man rushes. A lot of legit dropped passes. Shows emotion. Has some clutch ability. Picks up some tough chunks of yardage running when necessary. Good job protecting his body.

Final words

Nussmeier projects to be a career backup and spot starter in the NFL.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. Featured in USA Today. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.