
LSU's Garrett Nussmeier is one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, with flashes of high-level arm talent and potential that could make him a Day 2 pick. Consistency eluded him throughout his college career, but his experience against top competition in the SEC could prepare him to eventually develop into a solid passer at the next level.
Here's everything NFL fans need to know about Nussmeier heading into this year's draft:
Height: 6-1
Weight: 205
Age: 24
Nussmeier has NFL-level arm talent, delivering the ball to every level of the field with the kind of velocity that will be necessary against pro defenses. He flashes the ability to throw with anticipation, leading his receivers into open windows and away from tight man coverage with touch and accuracy. He’s tough in the pocket, willing to stand in and deliver throws under pressure, even when he knows a big hit is coming. Nussmeier can throw effectively on the run on designed rollouts and bootlegs, and he knows how to layer throws effectively against zone coverage.
Consistency has been elusive for Nussmeier throughout his entire collegiate career. His accuracy can fluctuate significantly from snap to snap, and he can struggle to make sound decisions with the football, leading to costly turnovers. He’s an efficient distributor when his first read is open and he’s able to get rid of the ball quickly, but Nussmeier gets considerably less comfortable when forced to navigate post-snap changes and adjust to complex coverages on full-field reads. He needs to be more judicious when taking his check-downs instead of passing up easy completions while looking for big plays downfield that just aren’t there. His toughness is admirable, but his undersized frame could lead to durability concerns.
The son of former NFL quarterback (and current New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator) Doug Nussmeier, Garrett’s bloodlines and arm talent will be enough for a team to give him a shot. But if he wants to be a successful starter at the next level instead of just a career backup, he’ll need to find a level of consistency, both physically and mentally, that he failed to display in college.
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