Todd McShay mocks LSU star No. 1 overall in 2026 NFL Draft

Nussmeier is heading into his fifth season at LSU, and he fits the prototypical quarterback mold at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. Last season for LSU, he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns compared to five interceptions. The 2026 season will be his second season in a row starting for LSU, so he'll be coming into the league with plenty of big-time experience.

Notably, in a recent piece looking at the 2026 draft, ESPN's field Yates also mentioned Nussmeier as the top quarterback available in the draft, at least at this early stage. One of the reasons he'll be so highly valued by NFL teams is because of his experience at LSU. In the transfer portal and NIL era, Nussmeier has quickly become the rare breed of quarterback who was recruited by LSU, signed with LSU, and is still at LSU.

"I'll offer up Nussmeier as the key name to know," Yates wrote when asked who he believes the top quarterback in the 2026 class will be. "I believe he has the trajectory to be a first-round pick, and he's the one I've studied the most so far (he was eligible for the 2025 draft but elected for one more season). Nussmeier throws with excellent accuracy, touch and anticipation. He is a sufficient mover and operates well in the pocket."

Ultimately, a lot has to happen between now and then — and we don't even know if Texas quarterback Arch Manning will decide to declare after what will technically be his third year in Austin — but LSU's Nussmeier appears to be the player to watch this season.

Of course, a lot of who goes No. 1 overall depends on what team ends up there in the draft. If you're bad enough to draft at No. 1 overall the season before, though, chances are there will be a major need at quarterback.