Overview
Garrett Nussmeier waited his turn behind Jayden Daniels and has made the most of his opportunity as LSU’s starter. The senior has put together a dominant campaign, leading one of the nation’s most prolific offenses while showcasing the arm talent and competitiveness that have scouts excited about his NFL potential.
Nussmeier is a throwback quarterback—a gunslinger who trusts his arm and isn’t afraid to fit the ball into tight windows. He plays with a fearlessness that’s both thrilling and occasionally maddening, but the talent is undeniable.
Strengths
Arm talent is elite. Nussmeier can make every throw on the field with velocity and accuracy. He drives the ball into tight windows, throws with excellent zip on intermediate routes, and has the deep ball to threaten vertically.
Anticipation is advanced. He throws receivers open consistently, delivering the ball before windows appear. His timing on the back-shoulder throw is particularly impressive.
Competitive makeup is A+. Nussmeier plays his best in big moments and doesn’t get rattled by adversity. He’s a gamer who wants the ball when it matters.
Pocket presence has improved significantly. He navigates rush lanes effectively, keeps his eyes downfield, and extends plays without becoming a scrambler.
Football IQ is evident. He processes defenses quickly, gets to his progressions efficiently, and makes good decisions pre-snap.
Weaknesses
Decision-making can get aggressive. Nussmeier trusts his arm to a fault sometimes, forcing throws into coverage that lead to turnovers. The interception numbers are a concern.
Inconsistent accuracy. When he’s on, he’s surgical. When he’s off, throws sail high or behind receivers. The variance is troubling.
Mobility is limited. He won’t hurt defenses with his legs and can struggle when the pocket completely collapses. He needs a clean pocket to be at his best.
Holds the ball too long at times, trying to make the big play rather than taking the check-down. Ball security under pressure has been an issue.
Bottom Line
Garrett Nussmeier is a fascinating prospect—a high-upside quarterback with elite arm talent and a gunslinger mentality that will thrill and frustrate in equal measure. He’s not a safe pick, but he has the tools to be a franchise quarterback if he can clean up the decision-making.
The Stafford comparison is apt: big arm, competitive fire, occasional lapses in judgment. Teams that need a quarterback and can live with some volatility should be very interested. Nussmeier has the talent to reward patience.