Garrett Nussmeier 2026 NFL Draft: scouting report for LSU, QB

How high should NFL evaluators still be on former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier?

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer

Feb 18, 2026 2:08 PM EST

Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) throws a pass during the second half of the game with Alabama at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Height: 6-1

Weight: 204

Year: RS Senior

Pro Comparison: Mac Jones

2026 NFL Combine Results

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, QB

3-Cone: N/A
Hand Size: N/A
Arm Length: N/A
40-Yard Dash: N/A
Vertical Leap: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A

Pros of Garrett Nussmeier

Easy thrower of the football; possesses some notable arm talent to layer throws all over the field
Has supreme confidence in his abilities in terms of arm strength and placing the football into specific spots; which allows him to make some smaller window throws
Nussmeier has shown an element of toughness during the course of his career while fighting through nagging injuries
Showcases some impressive touch to the intermediate and deeper levels of the field; has put some impressive bucket throws on film
Very rhythm-based thrower; when he gets confident, Nussmeier goes through stretches where it doesn’t feel like there’s a throw he can’t make

Cons of Garrett Nussmeier

Has some troubling ball security issues; Some bad habits with interceptions and fumbling in and out of the pocket
Very statuesque pocket passer who doesn’t possess much ability to make plays outside of structure
Boasts a smaller frame that brings questions for durability long term; has suffered some nagging injuries during the course of his college career

Background

Nussmeier was considered to be a four-star player by each of the major recruiting platforms coming out of the 2021 class. The Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus standout ended ranked as the No. 84 overall player, the No. 14 quarterback, and the No. 15 player from the state of Texas for the 2021 recruiting class. The talented signal caller ended up opting for LSU over other offers from Georgia, Penn State, Texas A&M, Miami, Missouri, Louisville, Colorado, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, TCU, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, SMU, Washington State, Oregon State, Michigan State, Arizona State, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, UNC, Wake Forest, Kansas, and Purdue, among others.

After serving as the main backup for three seasons, Nussmeier finally got his chance as the starter during the 2024 college football season. During his two years as the Tigers’ top signal caller, Nussmeier managed to throw for 5,979 yards and 41 touchdowns. The Texas native also added another four scores on the ground, while completing over 65 percent of his passes and throwing 17 interceptions. Nussmeier was named the MVP at the 2026 Senior Bowl.

His father, Doug Nussmeier, has been a long-time quarterback coach in the NFL. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. The older Nussmeier is currently the offensive coordinator for the Saints.

Player Evaluation

When Nussmeier gets into rhythm, he is an impressive thrower of the football. He has a short and compact delivery with notable arm talent. Nussmeier has showcased his ability to layer throws to the intermediate and deeper areas of the football field. His easy throwing motion is a joy to watch when the mechanics are solid. Nussmeier is a very confident thrower who doesn’t hesitate to put the football in any window. That allows him to make some eye-popping throws in terms of ball placement and overall difficulty. During the course of his LSU career, Nussmeier has demonstrated the toughness to play through some nagging injuries. There are stretches on film when Nussmeier looks like he can’t miss, putting some high-level throws on his resume. That is especially true with several bucket throws that require both touch and accuracy.

While you love the gunslinger mentality that Nussmeier brings to the table, it can come back to hurt him at times. Nussmeier has had his struggles with turnovers during his career, both with interceptions and fumbles inside the pocket. His decision-making can be very hit or miss, causing even more turnover-worthy throws. Nussmeier is also a very statuesque pocket passer who struggles to consistently make plays outside of structure. From a physical perspective, Nussmeier lacks overall traits. He is a limited mover, while also bringing a thin frame to the table. That thinner frame is a troubling combination with some durability issues during his two years as a starter. Nussmeier was expected to take a massive jump going into last season, but it just didn’t happen.

There is still some love for Nussmeier in NFL circles. His overall arm talent should provide him a pretty solid floor as a backup quarterback. Whether he can remain healthy and improve decision-making will determine if there is any upside as a developmental starter.