LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier began the season as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, having passed for over 300 yards in eight games last year. However, this season has presented unforeseen challenges for him, marred by injuries that have contributed to a less than stellar performance, with Nussmeier not hitting the 300-yard mark in any of his seven games.
The Tigers kicked off the year with a resounding victory over No. 4 ranked Clemson but have since fallen to a 4-2 record in their last six matchups, bringing their overall record to 5-2. This puts their hopes for a College Football Playoff appearance, a goal not achieved since 2019, in a precarious position, as they may need to win out to secure a spot. Nussmeier’s struggles have been reflected in the team’s performance against ranked opponents, where he has tallied only 654 yards, averaging 218 yards per game, along with four touchdowns and one interception.
Despite his difficulties on the field, NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay still regards Nussmeier as the top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. On ‘The Triple Option,’ he acknowledged Nussmeier’s potential and commitment, stating, “If you go back and watch his tape against Ole Miss, that is not Garrett. That’s not Nuss. I was taking the tape and like zooming in, like, ‘Is he wincing or grabbing at anything?’ He’s fighting through it, and you love it about him.”
McShay noted that while Nussmeier has shown improvement, the lack of adequate protection from the offensive line and the quality of wide receivers at LSU has hindered his success. He reflected, “The receivers haven’t been LSU-caliber receivers. This is not the Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase and all those guys. So there’s a lot working against him this year.” McShay expressed confidence in Nussmeier’s understanding of the game and rhythm of play, comparing his style to that of Baker Mayfield, though he acknowledged that Nussmeier may not possess the same arm strength.
With five seasons at LSU under his belt—three as a backup and the last two as the starting quarterback—Nussmeier is among the most experienced quarterbacks heading into the upcoming draft. He also carries a notable legacy as the son of Doug Nussmeier, the current offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints.
As Nussmeier continues to navigate a challenging season, there’s a silver lining: his resilience and potential for growth may still resonate with NFL teams, who will value his experience and work ethic as they assess draft prospects. His journey, filled with learning and overcoming adversity, could be an inspiring story in the world of college football.