$4 Million Quarterback Caught Up in ‘Major Enigma’ Before 2026 NFL Draft

Garrett Nussmeier in Focus Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft has stirred interest in several quarterbacks, with LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier emerging as a potential contender for the third quarterback selected.

Quick Context

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 23 to April 25 adjacent to Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With several franchises in need of quarterback talent, discussions around who will be drafted and when are heating up. Former Indiana starter and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is the favored first pick, projected to land with the Las Vegas Raiders. Ty Simpson has recently risen to the status of the second-best quarterback available, leaving the race for the third quarterback wide open.

Garrett Nussmeier’s Career Highlights

Garrett Nussmeier, who stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 205 pounds, was recruited under Ed Orgeron in 2021. He is the son of former NFL quarterback Doug Nussmeier. Initially, he backed up Max Johnson, now at Georgia Southern, before taking on a more prominent role. After joining the LSU team, he exhibited both promise and challenges during his tenure, starting just one full season in 2024. That year, he amassed 4,052 passing yards, completed 29 touchdowns, and incurred 12 interceptions, guiding the Tigers to a 9-4 record and a Texas Bowl victory against Baylor.

His 2025 season was marred by injuries and a struggling offensive line, leading to a benching late in the year. Ultimately, he finished the season with 1,927 yards, 12 touchdown passes, and five interceptions. This uneven performance has led to speculation about his future in professional football.

The Great Mystery of Draft Projections

ESPN’s Field Yates referred to the competition for the third quarterback spot as a “great mystery.” Nussmeier is touted as one of the candidates to fill that role, given his athletic background and skills displayed on the field. He participated in nine games over his final season and is among the quarterbacks chosen for the American Team at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, sharing the spotlight with former Arkansas starter Taylen Green and former Illinois starter Luke Altmyer. This showcase could provide him with vital exposure for scouts ahead of the draft.

Yates pointed out Nussmeier’s fluctuating career at LSU, emphasizing his potential to make an impact in the NFL, despite his shaky finish with the Tigers. The 2026 NFL Draft will be a pivotal moment for Nussmeier as he seeks to elevate his standing among draft prospects and potentially secure a spot with an NFL franchise.

Original source: Open the source