Heading into the season, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. listed LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The redshirt senior is off to a great start this season to fulfill that potential.
Nussmeier completed 28 of his 38 passes for 232 yards and the game-winning touchdown to Trey’Dez Green early in the fourth quarter of LSU’s victory vs. then-No. 6 Clemson. During an episode of ESPN’s First Draft, Kiper raved about Nussmeier’s intangibles.
“I love his energy. Garrett Nussmeier cares. And the teammates sense that. They’ll have your back when you’re so invested and you bring that fire, that energy, that passion that Garrett Nussmeier does,” Kiper said. “Obviously the son of a coach… so when you’re around football your whole life and you bring that type of energy and you add that type of mind for the game, that’s why Garrett Nussmeier is such a tremendously respected team leader.”
The Louisiana native is now in his second season as LSU’s starting quarterback. Last season, Nussmeier led LSU to a 9-4 record while passing for 4,043 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Nussmeier and No. 3 LSU hosts in-state opponent Louisiana Tech on Saturday in their home opener (7:30 p.m. ET/ESPN+, SEC Network+)
