Garrett Nussmeier Scouting Report: LSU QB | 2026 NFL Draft Prospect
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Player Overview
Name: Garrett Nussmeier
Position: Quarterback
School: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 200 lbs
Class: Redshirt Senior (2025 season)
Hometown: Lake Charles, LA
High School: Edward S. Marcus High School (Flower Mound, TX)
Draft Projection: 1st Round pick, from QB1 to QB3 by many media outlets.
• PFF: 1st round, Top 10, QB2 (May 2025)
• Pro Football Network: 1st round, Top 5, QB1 (Apr 2025)
• NFL.com: 1st round, Top 15, QB3 (Jan 2025)
• ESPN: 1st round, Top 10, QB2–3 (Jan 2025)
• CBS Sports: 1st round, Top 10, QB2 (Mar 2025)
• The 33rd Team: 1st round, Top 5, QB1–2 (Mar 2025)
Combine Data/Unofficial Times: No official NFL Combine data available (as of June 1, 2025). Estimated 40-yard dash time of ~4.82 seconds based on high school athleticism and NFL Draft Buzz projections, indicating average mobility. High school stats included 8,160 passing yards, 83 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions, showcasing strong arm talent.
Career Background
Garrett Nussmeier, son of former NFL quarterback and current Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, grew up immersed in football, moving 12 times across eight states and Canada. A four-star recruit from Marcus High School, he led his team to an 11-2 record as a junior (3,788 yards, 38 TDs) and an undefeated 2020 regular season (2,815 yards, 33 TDs), earning Texas District 6-6A MVP honors. At LSU, Nussmeier redshirted in 2021 and backed up Heisman winner Jayden Daniels in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, he became the starter, leading LSU to an 8-4 regular-season record and a Texas Bowl victory, throwing for 4,043 yards, 29 TDs, and earning bowl MVP honors. Nussmeier’s decision to return for 2025, announced on December 11, 2024, aims to improve his consistency and draft stock, targeting a national championship.
Career Stats (Through 2024 Season)
• 2021 (True Freshman, Redshirt): 29/57 (50.9%), 329 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, -46 rushing yards (Sports Reference)
• 2022 (Redshirt Freshman, Backup): 52/84 (61.9%), 800 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INTs, -13 rushing yards (PFF 2022)
• 2023 (Redshirt Sophomore, Backup): 40/77 (51.9%), 395 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, -30 rushing yards (PFF 2023)
• 2024 (Redshirt Junior, Starter): 336/525 (64.0%), 4,043 yards, 29 TDs, 12 INTs, 81 rushing yards, 4 TDs (PFF 2024)
• Career Totals (4 Seasons): 457/743 (61.5%), 5,567 yards, 39 TDs, 19 INTs, -8 rushing yards, 4 TDs
Advanced Stats (2024, PFF 2024):
• PFF Passing Grade: 81.3
• PFF Rushing Grade: 70.0
• QBR: 96.4
• Total Offense: 4,124 yards, 33 total TDs, 12 INTs
• TWP Rate: 3.1% (18 TWP on 503 aimed passes), above median (~2.9%), indicating turnover risk
• Adjusted Completion %: 71.4% (336 completions + 23 drops / 503 aimed passes), above average, showing solid accuracy
• Sack Rate: 2.7% (15 sacks on 525 attempts), among the lowest, reflecting elite pocket presence
• Penalties: 4, above median (~2), often delay of game, highlighting clock management issues
• Drop Rate: 6.4% (23 drops), slightly above median (~6.0%), impacting raw completion %
Awards and Accolades
• High School:
• Texas District 6-6A MVP (2019)
• 2020 Under Armour All-American
• 2020 Texas 6A Midseason Player of the Year
• College:
• Texas Bowl MVP (2024)
• ReliaQuest Bowl MVP (2023)
• Manning Award Quarterback of the Week (October 2024)
• SEC Academic Honor Roll (2023)
Character and Leadership
Nussmeier’s patience waiting behind Jayden Daniels for two seasons (2022–2023) showcases his loyalty and work ethic, earning praise from LSU coach Brian Kelly for his resilience in clutch moments (e.g., Ole Miss comeback, 2024). His football lineage and interdisciplinary studies degree (May 2025) reflect intelligence and discipline. Nussmeier’s faith-driven mindset and lack of off-field concerns make him a low-risk prospect. Teammates, like Kyren Lacy, commend his leadership and accountability, while X posts highlight fan support for his 2025 return to chase a championship.
Injuries
No major injuries reported at LSU, but Nussmeier’s 200-pound frame raises durability concerns against NFL physicality, per NFL Draft Buzz. He took hits in 2024 games against Alabama and Texas A&M, laboring late, suggesting a need to add functional weight (10–15 lbs). His 2.7% sack rate (lowest among FBS QBs, PFF 2024) and 9.8% pressure-to-sack rate show elite sack avoidance, mitigating some concerns.
Play Style
Nussmeier is a pro-style quarterback with a gunslinger mentality, excelling in LSU’s spread offense under Joe Sloan. His elite arm strength enables tight-window throws and deep balls (34.6% completion on 20+ yard passes, 846 yards, 8 TDs). A quick release and micro-movements in the pocket enhance his sack avoidance, but his aggressive style leads to turnovers (3.1% TWP rate). With limited mobility (81 rushing yards, 4 TDs in 2024), he’s not suited for dual-threat schemes, relying on pocket presence to extend plays.
Strengths
1. Arm Talent: Elite velocity and touch on deep throws (846 yards, 8 TDs on 20+ yard passes).
2. Pocket Presence: Lowest FBS sack rate (2.7%), with subtle movements to evade pressure.
3. Clutch Ability: Led comebacks against Ole Miss and Wisconsin, thriving in high-pressure moments.
4. Football IQ: Reads complex SEC defenses, leveraging his father’s coaching and pre-snap adjustments.
5. Quick Release: Compact motion allows rapid delivery, ideal for West Coast systems.
Weaknesses
1. Turnovers: 12 INTs and 3.1% TWP rate (above median), with risky throws into double coverage.
2. Deep Ball Accuracy: 34.6% completion on 20+ yard throws, needing precision for NFL windows.
3. Durability: 200-pound frame vulnerable to NFL hits, requiring added mass.
4. Clock Management: 4 penalties (delay of game), above median, indicating operational lapses.
5. Limited Mobility: Not a dual-threat, restricting scheme versatility (81 rushing yards).
Limitations
Nussmeier’s turnover-prone play (3.1% TWP rate, 12 INTs) and inconsistent deep-ball accuracy (34.6%) limit his immediate NFL readiness, particularly against complex coverages. His slight frame raises durability concerns, and clock management issues (4 penalties) hinder efficiency. With one full season as a starter, his inexperience (14 starts) suggests a developmental backup role, needing 1–2 years to refine decision-making and physicality.
Scheme Fit
Nussmeier’s arm talent and quick release suit pass-heavy West Coast or pro-style systems. Potential fits, based on team schemes and 2025 QB roster analysis, include:
• New Orleans Saints (Kellen Moore/Doug Nussmeier): Given Garrett’s father is the offensive Coordinator for the Saints, and Kellen Moore’s experience as a NFL quarterback, the Saints would make as an ideal fit for the little Nussmeier. Moore has worked with Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts, winning a Super Bowl with the latter. Moore and Nussmeier run a West Coast offense, and the quarterback room is full of uncertainty with the sudden retirement of Derek Carr, though Tyler Shough was drafted in the 2nd round of this past draft.
• Dallas Cowboys (Brian Schottenheimer/Mike McCarthy): Pass-heavy West Coast offense (65% 11 personnel) leverages Dak Prescott’s arm. Prescott’s age (33 in 2026) and expiring contract (2028) make a 4th–5th round backup like Nussmeier appealing for succession planning.
• Jacksonville Jaguars (Liam Coen/Press Taylor): Balanced West Coast system (63% 11 personnel) suits Nussmeier’s play-action strengths. Trevor Lawrence’s injury history (shoulder, 2023) supports a 4th–5th round depth pick.
• Los Angeles Rams (Sean McVay/Mike LaFleur): Pass-heavy West Coast offense (72% 11 personnel) aligns with Nussmeier’s arm and quick release. Matthew Stafford’s age (38, contract ends 2026) makes a 4th–5th round successor viable.
• Seattle Seahawks (Mike Macdonald/Klint Kubiak): West Coast, run-heavy system (64% 11 personnel) uses play-action, fitting Nussmeier’s pocket presence. Sam Darnold’s bridge role (through 2027) supports a 5th–6th round backup pick.
Player Comparison
Nathan Peterman (6’2”, 206 lbs). Peterman’s gunslinger mentality and turnover-prone passing (3.5% TWP rate est., 7 INTs, 2017) mirror Nussmeier’s 6’2”, 200 lbs frame, 8.2 YPA, and 2.9% TWP rate. Both operate in West Coast/pro-style systems, with identical limited mobility (4.82-second 40, 84 vs. 27 rushing yards) and aggressive intermediate throws (64.2% completion for Nussmeier, 53.1% for Peterman). Peterman’s consistent high-risk reads and pressure struggles (5.0% sack rate, 2017) reflect Nussmeier’s 2024 tape, capturing his pocket-passing volatility as a developmental prospect, per PFF.
Off-Field Considerations
Nussmeier’s football pedigree and high school success (8,160 yards, 83 TDs) highlight his preparation. His loyalty to LSU, staying despite transfer portal options, and academic achievements (interdisciplinary studies degree) reflect maturity. Fan support on X for his 2025 return underscores his leadership and popularity. No off-field issues reported.
Draft Outlook and Recommendations
Garrett Nussmeier’s elite arm talent and clutch performances position him as a mid-to-late round (4th–7th) pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, ideal as a developmental backup with low-end starter potential. His 2024 season (4,043 yards, 29 TDs) and 2025 return signal growth, but turnovers (3.1% TWP rate) and durability concerns require a 1–2 year timeline.
Recommended Draft Range: 4th–5th Round (2026)
• Ideal Landing Spots: Cowboys, Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks
Key Areas for 2025 Improvement:
• Reduce turnovers and improve ball security
• Enhance deep-ball accuracy (20+ yards)
• Add 10–15 lbs for durability
Final Evaluation
Garrett Nussmeier’s arm strength, pocket presence, and leadership make him a promising 2026 NFL Draft prospect. His 2024 breakout and 2025 return offer a chance to refine decision-making and physicality, critical for his mid-to-late round projection. In a pass-heavy West Coast system, he could develop into a reliable backup or situational starter, provided he addresses turnovers and durability concerns.
Sources
• PFF 2024 QB Stats
• PFF 2023 QB Stats
• PFF 2022 QB Stats
• NFL Draft Buzz
• The Draft Network
• Sports Reference
• ESPN
• The Athletic
• NOLA.com
• Posts found on X
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