2026 NFL Scouting Report: Garrett Nussmeier

Prospect Summary:

Nussmeier spent a few seasons as Jayden Daniels’s backup and became a legitimate NFL prospect in 2024. Nussmeier completed 64 percent of his passes for 4,403 yards with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his debut as the Tigers’ starting quarterback. As a senior, the season went badly for LSU, and Nussmeier had some struggles. Nussmeier completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,927 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. It was a disappointing season for Nussmeier and ended with an injury, but he helped himself with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl.

There is no doubt that Nussmeier has a live arm and passing talent for the NFL. While his arm angle and throwing motion are a little unusual, he has a strong arm capable of making all the throws. Nussmeier has a quick release, and his throwing motion is a quick whip arm action. Arm strength is definitely not a concern as Nussmeier can fire the ball into tight windows and shows the ability to beat coverage with his arm strength, timing, and ball placement. Nussmeier has a gunslinger attitude and is a gritty, aggressive passer. With an aggressive attitude, Nussmeier gets the ball out pretty quickly and has some pocket presence. He will challenge defenses vertically and shows developed field vision to work through his progressions. While Nussmeier won’t be a running threat for the NFL, he is capable of executing bootlegs well and throws well on the run while rolling out.

There definitely are things for Nussmeier to work on for the NFL. He trusts his arm too much at times, and that can lead to him making some questionable decisions. His accuracy and ball placement are inconsistent and streaky. Nussmeier can get rattled, and that really hampers his decision-making, accuracy, and effectiveness. Team sources have said that Nussmeier needs to show improved resilience, and the 2025 season did not help him in that regard. “He can’t stop the nosebleed when crap goes downhill,” said one national scout at the end of the 2024 season, and that was verified during Nussmeier’s final year at LSU. l.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, Nussmeier looks like a mid-rounder who has a chance to sneak into the third round. Check out my my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft to see where we have Nussmeier currently projected.