Getting to know blue-chip quarterback prospect Garrett Nussmeier
Arch Manning will get most of the attention during the college football season, concerning performance and potential NFL stardom. However, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier shouldn’t be ignored either
The latest NFL odds project Manning as a possible number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, vying with Arch Manning and Drew Allar, which makes sense given his profile and last name. With that said, Nussmeier also has a chance to be the first quarterback off the board next spring.
We’ll take the time to learn more about Nussmeier on and off the field as he plays out what is likely his final collegiate campaign.
Bloodlines
Everyone knows that Arch Manning is the son of Cooper Manning, the brother of Eli and Peyton Manning. However, Garrett Nussmeier has some NFL familial ties as well. His father, Doug, is currently the offensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints. Doug Nussmeier also played for the Saints during his only two seasons in the NFL, from 1996 to 1997.
It’s not hard to connect the dots between a potential Nussmeier partnership in the NFL shortly. New Orleans decided to forgo adding any consequence at quarterback in free agency or during the 2025 NFL Draft. As it stands, there’s likely not a legitimate franchise quarterback option on the roster right now. The Saints could also be one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2025, which would line them up perfectly to snatch Garrett Nussmeier with a top pick in the 2026 Draft.
It'll also be very easy for Saints personnel to check Nussmeier out since he plays his college ball in Louisiana.
Professional comparisons
Evaluators seem to think that Nussmeier could be in a similar mold of quarterbacks like Andy Dalton, Brock Purdy or Tony Romo. Football fans know that those players are generally seen as pocket passers who have the ability to deliver throws in tight windows. While Nussmeier isn’t exactly known for his elite athleticism, he does have some manoeuvrability to evade an oncoming rush.
He would appear to be the type of player that needs to be insulated by strong offensive line play. Of course, all quarterbacks thrive with protection, but Nussmeier’s profile as a strong thrower of the football who likely won’t beat too many defenders with his legs accentuates the need for a good line in front of him.
Weaknesses
Watching Nussmeier is never boring, which can work to his benefit and his detriment. He’s not afraid to look down the field to push the ball to his playmakers, which can help manufacture opportunities that wouldn’t normally present themselves.
However, the LSU signal-caller also needs to work on taking care of the football. Nussmeier’s LSU Tigers play in a tough conference, and turnovers will give strong SEC teams the chance to pounce. Turnovers are even more of a killer in the NFL, so Nussmeier will need to prioritize ball security in his senior college season to build good habits going into the NFL.