Garrett Nussmeier scouting report: 2026 NFL Draft projection and pro comp

Can Garrett Nussmeier emerge as the third best quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft?

After returning to LSU after a breakout season in 2024, Nussmeier had a down season in 2025.  In a season cut short by an abdominal issue, the former LSU QB threw for 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns in 9 games vs a performance in 2024 that seen him pass for over 4,000 yards with 29 touchdowns.

In taking a bet on himself by not declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, Nussmeier who is known for football IQ and rhythm passing had a lot to prove following the season.  Projected as a Day 2 or Day 3 pick behind top QBs like Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson, the gunslinger has increased his draft stock with a MVP performance at the 2026 Senior Bowl and a solid showing at the NFL Combine. 

With a few NFL teams starting for quarterbacks, Nussmeier could be a more than solid consolation prize for teams who are not in position to select the top two.

Garrett Nussmeier NFL Draft profile

• Position: Quarterback

• College: LSU Tigers

• Height/Weight: 6-2, 203 lbs

• Hometown: Lake Charles, LA

• 40-yard Dash: 4.72 seconds

• 2025 Stats (Regular Season): 1,927 passing yards,12 TD, 5 INT, 67.4 Comp. %

• Career Stats: 7,699 passing yards, 52 TD, 24 INT, 64.0 Comp %

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Strengths:

• Experience as a starter with 23 games started at LSU. Appeared in 18 games from 2021-2023 as a backup.

• Post-snap manipulation: Able to read shifts and work through field progressions.  His quick reads and rhythm passing with intermediate throws will make him a fit for teams that run the West Coast offense.

• Showcases a tight throwing motion that emphasizes his arm talent.

• Great accuracy in throwing receivers open.  Able to anticipate receivers’ cuts before they make them.

• Excels as a quarterback with playmakers around him.

• Plays the game with toughness.  In the right system with the right coach, can transform that toughness, talent and experience into an adequate starter at the NFL level.

Weaknesses:

• A bit undersized at the position at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds.

• Lacks mobility, more of a pocket passer.

• Can be rattled with pressure which can lead to mistakes and turnovers, especially interior pressure.

• Has not showcased elite arm consistency.

• Can be a gunslinger who tries to make plays that aren’t there.  Will have to learn how to make smart decisions under pressure and the right decision.

• Won’t scare defenses with the deep ball, but as a precision passer who excels on timing throws can deliver big plays with his arm a times.

• Durability can be an issue.  Nussmeier is coming off an abdominal injury that limited his time as a starter at LSU in 2025.

• Like many young quarterbacks, will have to work on his footwork which can limit his ability to get velocity on the ball.

NFL outlook

In a limited draft as far as elite quarterback talent, Nussmeier is one of those prospects that profiles as a wild card in this draft.  After a breakout season in 2024, the former LSU QB has showcased an ability and the talent to run an explosive offense if he plays under control.  As a projected Day 2 pick, it will be important for him to be drafted by a team that runs a structured offense and work in a system where he will have an opportunity to learn behind an established veteran. 

In looking back at the success Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough had as rookie starters in 2025, Nussmeier could ride the momentum he gained in the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine to be the third best QB in the 2026 Draft class behind Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson.  Depending on where he is drafted, don’t be surprised if he sees time as a starter in his rookie season due to the cerebral talent he brings to the position.

What Draft analysts are saying:

"I love his toughness to hang in the pocket and deliver strikes when absorbing big hits. He's a clunky mover, but he still manages to evade free runners at times, creating outside of the play structure. He has excellent touch on the deep ball and is also adept on over/under throws (over linebackers/under safeties)."

Daniel Jeremiah

NFL pro comparison:

As a quarterback who is considered pro ready, Nussmeier can come in Year 1 and have success in the league much like a Mac Jones, Shough or even a less mobile Bo Nix when it comes to the intermediate passing game.  The question is, can he and will he grow as an NFL QB beyond his initial success.  His competitive nature and rhythm-based passing gives Brock Purdy vibes, but his accuracy and touch is more reminiscent of a player like Andy Dalton.

If you combine the traits of both, Nussmeier should serve as a long-term starter at the next level.  His floor vs ceiling will depend on his ability to adapt in whatever system he is drafted into and how well he will be able to improve his mechanics and pocket awareness.

Prospect Grade:

Second Round