Sportsvival is here to break down the top prospects destined for the 2026 NFL Draft class, spotlighting the breakout stars poised to make an immediate impact. From dynamic quarterbacks to athletic edge rushers, we’ll analyze the film, metrics, and intangibles that set these athletes apart. Tune in as Sportsvival delivers the comprehensive scouting insights you need to know before draft day.
Today we profile:
QB – Garrett Nussmeier LSU
6’2” 200 lbs.
Born: February 6, 2002
Garrett Nussmeier grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana and attended Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas. A multi-sport athlete, he starred in football and basketball, and posted strong numbers under center as a senior, finishing as a four-star recruit and the 19th-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2021.
Coming out of high school, Nussmeier held offers from power programs like Texas, Alabama and Ohio State before committing to LSU, where his football lineage (son of former NFL QB Doug Nussmeier) immediately put him on the radar.
In 2021, he saw spot duty as a true freshman, entering against Arkansas to complete 18 of 31 passes for 179 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. In 2022, he backed up Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and showcased his timing in relief, most notably in the Citrus Bowl with 173 yards, two scores and a pick.
Nussmeier’s first full start came in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl. He torched Wisconsin for 395 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-31 victory, engineering a 98-yard game-winning drive.
He seized full command of the Tigers’ offense in 2024 as a redshirt senior. Over 13 games, he completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His poised pocket presence helped LSU earn a Texas Bowl victory and landed him on Sportsvival’s preseason first-team All-American list.
Strengths
Impeccable pocket feel – manages pressure and escapes cleanly without sacrificing eyes downfield
Accuracy on short and intermediate throws, routinely pins receivers inside the numbers
Smooth mechanics on the move, making tight-window passes on the run
Processing speed and pre-snap reads give him an NFL-ready command of the huddle
Veteran savvy from high-level reps, rarely locked into a single progression
Garrett’s biggest asset is his pocket processing. He identifies pressure before it arrives and his quick release neutralizes edge rushers. His short-to-intermediate accuracy ranks among the best in this class, and he consistently finds check-downs when defenses bracket his top reads. On RPOs and bootlegs, his footwork stays sound, letting him deliver crisp, on-target throws while navigating a collapsing pocket. Those intangibles and film-room tendencies make him a plug-and-play option for NFL play-callers.
Weaknesses
Lacks elite arm strength, can struggle to fit the deep ball into tight windows
At 6’2”, defenses can obscure his vision over the middle on stacked fronts
Turnovers creeping up – 12 interceptions in 2024, some off forced throws
Durability concerns with a lean frame carrying an NFL workload
Limited designed-run packages, not a true dual-threat
While poised, he isn’t going to wow scouts with 60-yard bombs. His deep ball can sail on him under duress, and he’ll need to continue refining his ball-placement downfield. His size also leaves him vulnerable when NFL fronts crowd the box and middle linebacker seals lanes. Adding strength to absorb hits and tightening his interception ratio will be key before draft day.
Pro Comparison
Brock Purdy
Like Purdy, Nussmeier thrives on processing and precision rather than pure physical tools. Both compensate for average arm talent with razor-sharp decision-making, sound mechanics, and uncanny pocket presence. If Nussmeier can mirror Purdy’s knack for converting third-downs and protecting the football, he’ll carve out a long NFL career as a reliable starter.
Final Thoughts
Sportsvival loves Nussmeier’s NFL readiness. He may not be the flashiest arm in the 2026 class, but his veteran instincts and accuracy give him a safe floor and steady ceiling. If he lands in a franchise that values processing and structure over pure athleticism, Nussmeier could be the first quarterback off the board.
(photo courtesy of Esports Insider)