ESPN explains what Garrett Nussmeier’s decision to forgo 2025 NFL Draft means for LSU

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier could have potentially worked his way up draft boards during the 2025 NFL Draft process in a weak QB class.

Instead, the Tigers’ gunslinger opted to return to Baton Rouge, where LSU has legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations this season. Yes, he lost all-world left tackle Will Campbell to the NFL (No. 4 overall to New England), but this LSU squad still has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.

Nussmeier figures to be one of the best QBs in the SEC this fall. In fact, Saturday Down South columnist Connor O’Gara had Nussmeier at No. 1 in his SEC QB power rankings this week.

So what does Nussmeier’s decision to delay the NFL 1 more year mean for LSU? ESPN’s Heather Dinich broke down the monumental decision:

Nussmeier, a fifth-year senior, and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan are entering their second season together and aiming to improve upon a stellar debut, which will help the Tigers contend for the SEC title. Nussmeier threw for 4,052 passing yards last year, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Even if LSU can’t win the league, Nussmeier’s return can help the Tigers earn an at-large CFP bid — especially if he makes a similar jump to his predecessors, Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels, who both won the Heisman Trophy in their second seasons in Baton Rouge. Nussmeier’s dad, Doug, will be nearby as the Saints’ offensive coordinator after winning a Super Bowl as the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach. With four new starters on the Tigers’ offensive line, there’s going to be an adjustment period, but if the ‘Nuss Bus’ gets the time he needs, this should be a breakout season and his draft stock will rise with LSU’s playoff chances.

Saturday Down South’s Derek Peterson thinks Nussmeier has some intriguing odds to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Can he accomplish his lofty goals at LSU this fall first? We’ll find out starting in late-August!

Adam Spencer

Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.