Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) throws the ball under pressure from Wisconsin Badgers linebacker C.J. Goetz (98) during the second half at the Reliaquest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Garrett Nussmeier QB LSU | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Garrett Nussmeier QB LSU
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: Pocket Passer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 02/10/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.82 seconds (52%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 23.0 DOB: 02/06/2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: Pocket Passer | |
| Last Updated: 02/10/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2026 | |
| 40 time: 4.82 seconds (52%*) | |
| Age: 23.0 DOB: 02/06/2002 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 87.4 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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77% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Release Speed: |
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93% |
| Short Passing: |
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82% |
| Medium Passing: |
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87% |
| Long Passing: |
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98% |
| Rush/Scramble: |
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75% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Early
Overall Rank:
#35
Position rank:
#5
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| College Games: 29 College Snaps: 1325 | ||
ESPN RATING: 86/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 96/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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| Bo Nix - Oregon |
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83% |
| J.J. McCarthy - Michigan |
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70% |
| Matt Corral - Ole Miss |
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69% |
Draft Profile: Bio
A second-generation signal caller who's got football coursing through his veins, Garrett Nussmeier has emerged as one of college football's most electrifying quarterbacks. The son of former NFL QB Doug Nussmeier turned heads when he opted to return to Baton Rouge for the 2025 season despite widespread first-round buzz. After waiting his turn behind Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier seized control of the Tigers' offense in 2024, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns while leading LSU to a 9-4 record and Texas Bowl victory. His journey from Lake Charles native to SEC gunslinger saw him rack up 5,772 career passing yards and 40 touchdowns through 2024, climbing into LSU's top-10 in several passing categories despite just one full season as starter.The former four-star recruit showed flashes of brilliance in limited action before earning the starting role, including a record-setting 395-yard performance in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl that saw him engineer a 98-yard game-winning drive. His first full season as starter in 2024 was a rollercoaster of jaw-dropping throws and gutsy performances, highlighted by an overtime thriller against Ole Miss where he converted two fourth downs on the game-tying drive before delivering the winning strike to Kyren Lacy.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Natural arm talent jumps off the tape - consistently generates velocity without straining, as shown on multiple deep shots against UCLA's tight coverage
- Shows impressive touch layering passes between defenders - exhibited repeatedly during the Ole Miss game, especially on the game-tying drive
- Creates throwing lanes under pressure - maintained composure against Alabama's rush while finding receivers on scramble drills
- Quick processor when his first read is available - burned South Carolina repeatedly on RPOs with rapid decisions
- Displays toughness and grit - fought through shoulder injury against Oklahoma to lead critical second-half scoring drives
- Effective throwing on the move - maintains mechanics while rolling out, particularly visible in the Texas Bowl victory
- Shows flashes of anticipatory throwing - hit several tight windows against Ole Miss by releasing before breaks
- Commands respect in the huddle - teammates consistently praise his leadership and competitive energy
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Frame concerns at just 200 pounds - struggled to shake off hits in SEC play, raising questions about NFL durability
- Inconsistent progression reads - got caught staring down primary targets against Texas A&M, leading to costly turnovers
- Decision-making needs refinement - forced throws into coverage against Florida when underneath options were available
- Struggles against disguised coverages - Arkansas and Texas A&M's defensive shifts caused visible confusion
- Can be overaggressive hunting big plays - passed up easier completions multiple times against Alabama looking for the home run
Scouting Report: Summary
Nussmeier enters 2025 as a prospect whose NFL future hangs on two critical questions: can his 200-pound frame withstand the punishment of a full NFL season, and can he develop the discipline to harness his considerable physical gifts? The arm talent is undeniable - he makes throws that leave scouts drooling. But the beating he took in SEC play, particularly against Alabama and Texas A&M's front sevens, raises serious red flags about his ability to stay healthy at the next level.The additional year at LSU isn't just about gaining experience - it's crucial development time for his body. While his skillset would shine in systems emphasizing play-action and movement passes, the durability concerns can't be ignored. Watch the Arkansas game tape where he took three massive hits in the fourth quarter alone, or how he labored through the second half against Alabama after just a handful of clean shots. His frame simply doesn't match up with his fearless playing style.
There's legitimate starter potential here, backed by NFL-caliber talent and proven production against top competition. The primary concern isn't about Nussmeier's ability to play at the next level - he's already shown he can make every throw required and handle complex defensive looks. The real question is whether his frame can withstand the weekly punishment of an NFL season. His competitive fire and natural talent are clear first-round caliber, but his success may ultimately depend on finding a system that can protect him while maximizing his considerable gifts. With proper physical development and a scheme that helps him stay clean in the pocket, Nussmeier has all the tools to be a difference-maker at the next level.
Written By:
Bill Miller (SEC)
How other scouting services rate Garrett Nussmeier (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
35.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
4.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.