LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier Receives Medical Clearance

But those have seemingly been answered, as Combine medical testing uncovered a cyst on his spine that caused his abdominal injury, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He has been healthy through the pre-draft process, but could require minor, minimally invasive surgery if it flares up again.

“Either way, doctors say, there is no short- or long-term risk for Nussmeier, who is projected a mid-round pick in this week’s NFL Draft,” Pellisero adds.

Nussmeier threw for over 4,000 yards in 2024 but his injury limited time and production on the field. He has an NFL-caliber arm, but needs to refine his vision and awareness in the pros. At 24-years-old, he is older than preferred for a developmental player, but positive reports about his intangibles (via Dane Brugler of The Athletic) suggest he can take to coaching.

Nussmeier is one of three Power 5 passers with claims to the QB3 spot in the draft class behind Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson. His positive medical update may make teams more comfortable drafting him on Day 2. Penn State’s Drew Allar and Miami’s Carson Beck are also on that list, with Beck receiving some late hype as a potentially Day 1 (but more likely Day 2) pick. Allar was much-hyped entering the 2025 season, but a broken ankle that sidelined in him October deprived him of the chance to boost his stock.

All three of those players could fall to Day 3, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Mendoza will be drafted by the Raiders with the No. 1 pick, and Simpson’s stock has been inflated by the dearth of talent at the position. The gap between him and Nussmeier, Allar, and Beck is seen as a chasm, and teams may prefer to spend their Day 2 picks on players they see as more likely long-term starters.