LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier Surging Up 2026 NFL Draft Boards

After a strong Senior Bowl showing, the Louisiana native is back on the radar of NFL decision-makers as a top QB prospect.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had a challenging 2025 season due to injury, but his recent performance at the Senior Bowl has elevated his stock significantly heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Nussmeier, who threw for over 7,000 yards during his time in Baton Rouge, is now considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft.

Why it matters

Nussmeier's resurgence is important for both the LSU program and his own NFL aspirations. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, he has an opportunity to reestablish himself as a top quarterback prospect and potentially be selected early in the 2026 draft.

The details

Nussmeier took over as the starting quarterback for LSU in 2024 and immediately became one of the top passers in the SEC, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. However, he dealt with a core/ab injury throughout the 2025 season, which limited his production to just 1,927 yards and 12 touchdowns. Now, Nussmeier is working to elevate his draft stock through pre-draft events like the Senior Bowl, where his recent performance has caught the attention of NFL evaluators.

  • Nussmeier took over as LSU's starting quarterback in 2024.
  • In 2024, Nussmeier threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
  • Nussmeier dealt with an injury throughout the 2025 season, limiting his production.
  • Nussmeier recently had a strong showing at the 2026 Senior Bowl.

The players

Garrett Nussmeier

A quarterback for the LSU Tigers who is surging up 2026 NFL Draft boards after a strong Senior Bowl performance.

Doug Nussmeier

Garrett Nussmeier's father, who is the current offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints.

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What they’re saying

“Across his five-year career at LSU, Nussmeier recorded 7,699 passing yards with 52 touchdowns and 26 interceptions.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

“Could it be somewhere on Day 2? Might he have to wait until Day 3? (Senior Bowl week), for guys like Garrett Nussmeier, is going to influence that race for that third quarterback taken.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

Nussmeier will continue to participate in pre-draft events and workouts as he looks to solidify his status as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Garrett Nussmeier's resurgence after a challenging 2025 season demonstrates the importance of pre-draft opportunities for players to showcase their skills and elevate their draft stock. His strong Senior Bowl performance has him back on the radar of NFL decision-makers as a potential early-round pick in the 2026 draft.