Garrett Nussmeier

NFL Draft Profile: Garrett Nussmeier

Position: Quarterback | School: LSU | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 205 lbs | Archetype: Tactical Gunslinger

College Career Summary

Garrett Nussmeier is the definition of a "patience-pays-off" story in the modern transfer portal era. The son of long-time NFL coach Doug Nussmeier, Garrett spent years as the understudy to Heisman-winner Jayden Daniels before taking the starting mantle in 2024. In his first full season as a starter, he exploded for over 4,000 passing yards, proving that LSU’s vertical passing identity didn't leave with Daniels.

The 2025 season was a test of his resilience. While LSU’s record was a rollercoaster (ending the regular season 7-5), Nussmeier remained a high-volume, high-IQ operator. He set a school record for being the first player to return as a starter after a 4,000-yard season and showed elite toughness, notably playing through a shoulder injury against Oklahoma. He enters the NFL Draft as one of the most battle-tested passers in the class, with experience winning high-stakes shootouts and bowl games (ReliaQuest and Texas Bowl MVP).

2025 Season Statistical Highlights

• Passing Yards: 1,927 (Regular Season)

• Completion %: 67.4%

• Touchdowns: 12 Passing, 1 Rushing

• Interceptions: 5

• Passer Rating: 133.8

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Cmp/Att, Yds, TD/INT)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	@ Clemson	28/38, 232 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	A-	Showed elite composure in a hostile environment; surgical on 3rd down.
2	vs Louisiana Tech	26/41, 237 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	B-	High volume but lacked efficiency. One "hero ball" interception.
3	vs Florida	15/27, 220 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	B	Hit a massive 65-yard bomb but struggled with consistency throughout.
4	vs SE Louisiana	25/31, 273 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT	A+	Perfect Execution. 80% completion rate. Mastered the RPO game.
5	@ Ole Miss	21/34, 197 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	C+	Stifled by a fast defense. Failed to find rhythm on vertical shots.
6	vs South Carolina	20/33, 254 Yds, 2 TD/2 INT	B	The "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" game. Massive throws offset by risky picks.
7	@ Vanderbilt	19/28, 225 Yds, 2 TD/0 INT	A-	Efficient and decisive. Put the ball where only his guys could get it.
8	vs Texas A&M	22/35, 168 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	C	Season Low Efficiency. Stifled by the front four; forced into checkdowns.
9	@ Alabama	18/21, 121 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	C+	High accuracy (85%) but zero "X-factor" plays. Played it too safe.

NFL Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Pre-Snap Diagnosis: As a coach's son, Nussmeier is a "board general." He routinely identifies blitzes and checks into the right protections, showing pro-level mastery of the line of scrimmage.

• Compact, Whip-Like Release: He possesses a lightning-fast delivery that allows him to get the ball out under duress. His "flick of the wrist" arm talent is some of the best in the 2026 class.

• Layered Passing: He excels at "throwing over linebackers and under safeties." His touch on intermediate seam routes allows him to attack the "honey hole" of Cover 2 defenses.

• Pocket Toughness: He is willing to stand in the face of a heavy rush and take a hit to deliver a strike downfield.

Weaknesses

• The "Gunslinger" Trap: His ultimate confidence in his arm leads to "turnover-worthy" decisions. He will occasionally try to force a ball into a triple-covered window rather than taking the sack.

• Frame Density: At 205 lbs, he has a slender build. There are concerns about his durability over a 17-game NFL season given his statuesque playing style.

• Minimal Ground Threat: Unlike the dual-threat trend, Nussmeier is purely a pocket operator. He has -153 career rushing yards; he won't beat NFL defenses with his legs.

• Inconsistent Deep Ball Weight: While he has the arm to get it there, his deep-ball accuracy can be streaky, sometimes overshooting his receivers when trying to "drive" the ball too hard.

Scheme Fit

• Primary Fit: Pro-Style / Air Raid Hybrid. He would thrive in a system like the New Orleans Saints or Cincinnati Bengals—schemes that prioritize processing speed and intermediate accuracy.

Scout's Final Word

"Garrett Nussmeier is a 'pure' quarterback in a world of athletes. He isn't going to outrun anyone, but he will out-think them. His ability to operate a complex offense and deliver the ball with elite velocity from the pocket makes him an attractive 'High-Floor' prospect. If he can curb the 'hero ball' interceptions that plagued his mid-season tape, he has the ceiling of a Tier 2 NFL starter. He currently projects as a Round 2-3 selection."