The 2026 NFL Draft, at first glance, offers several enticing quarterback prospects, spanning different archetypes, journeys, and physical traits. No quarterback in this class has the athleticism of South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers. Texas' prodigal son, Arch Manning, has taken casual college football fans by storm. Clemson's Cade Klubnik, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, and Penn State's Drew Allar should all make plays for Round 1, too.
Among the Heisman hopefuls and potential first-round picks is LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who had the opportunity to search for greener pastures after a 9-4 season kept the Tigers out of the College Football Playoff. Instead, he stayed home in Baton Rouge, opting to conclude his collegiate career where it started.
Nussmeier's loyalty stands out in NIL era
There's nothing wrong with a prospect pivoting to a bigger school for a better shot at the NFL or a player maximizing their earnings in a sport known to end careers in a flash. But there's something satisfying about continuity and finishing what one started. Nussmeier has a chance to do that with the Tigers.
Part of the reason why Nussmeier may have been convinced to stay was the talent waiting for him at LSU. Draftable talents at receiver like Nic Anderson and Aaron Anderson complement a strong defense, opening the door for a playoff run this winter.
Nussmeier recently spoke with Yahoo Sports about keeping his focus on the Tigers, despite the temptations waiting for him in the college football offseason.
“For me, I’m just focused on our team,” Nussmeier said. “I’m focused on our team goals and I’m focused on being the best that I can be for my teammates. Obviously, you can’t completely ignore all the outside noise. You’re lying if you say that you don’t hear it. So I definitely hear it.
“As I spoke about, our team with the expectations coming from within, I obviously have expectations for myself, as well. The way that I kind of straddle those and keep those in check is focusing on our team. My main goal is to help lead the LSU Tigers to a national championship and let the rest fall into place.”
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Nussmeier will enter the year as one of the top quarterbacks in this class and a fairly comfortable first-round pick. With an entire season until the NFL Draft, he'll have to play well to maintain his stock. Still, there's reason to believe in his upside.
The son of former NFL quarterback Doug Nussmeier, LSU's senior passer has a good grasp of the offense and uses it to his advantage. He's a big-game hunter with a strong enough arm to capitalize on his aggression, even with an undersized (6'1", 200 pounds) frame.
LSU knows what it has at the sport's most important position, throwing (and completing) more passes than any team in the SEC a season ago. His 12 interceptions also led the conference, although the rest of his production profile, including 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, helps offset those concerns.
Continuity at quarterback is important, and with a top prospect under center, the Tigers are poised to find success in 2025. With a strong season, Nussmeier could follow Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels' footsteps and help establish LSU as a quarterback factory.
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