NFL Draft Analyst Breaks Down Why Garrett Nussmeier Could Be a First-Round QB

NFL eyes are locked in on Baton Rouge

The praise comes at a pivotal moment for Nussmeier, who is entering his final season as LSU’s starter after posting over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns last year. Though his stat line impressed, some critics pointed to his tendency to take risks — including a few costly interceptions.

But not everyone sees those as red flags. Former Alabama QB and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy recently ranked Nussmeier as the fifth-best college quarterback in the nation and defended his “gunslinger” mentality.

“He pulls it off more than most,” McElroy said. “He’s in a really good position with the weapons they’ve now added.”

Indeed, LSU loaded up in the portal — adding Barion Brown from Kentucky and multiple tight ends — to surround Nussmeier with elite speed and versatility. The one missing piece? A reliable run threat from the QB himself.

McElroy believes Nussmeier has the athleticism to improve there, too. But even if he doesn’t, analysts like Reid are already seeing a quarterback worth watching closely — and potentially one worth investing in at the next level.