It’s never too early to evaluate quarterback depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. Even when a team is stable at center, front offices still do extensive work on passers, as arm talent, toughness and long-term upside remain favored traits throughout the league. For Tampa Bay, any quarterback evaluation must start with determining whether the player can function within an NFL structure while creating when things break down.
We are working on each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
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Information
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Height Weight: 6-1, 205 pounds
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Hometown: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Background
Nussmeier spent five years at LSU and started the last two seasons, playing in 40 games with 23 starts. He finished his college career as one of the most productive passers in school history, ranking No. 2 in completions and attempts, No. 3 in passing yards and tied for No. 4 in touchdown passes. He completed 660 of 1,032 attempts for 7,699 yards, 52 touchdowns and 24 interceptions while posting a 15-8 record as LSU’s starter.
His 2024 season was his most complete season. Nussmeier started all 13 games, threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns and led LSU to a Texas Bowl victory over Baylor while earning MVP honors. He also added MVP honors in the ReliaQuest Bowl following the 2023 season and then earned Senior Bowl MVP recognition in 2026, giving him a strong playoff resume.
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Nussmeier’s 2025 season was shortened by torso and abdominal injuries, but he still opened the year by leading LSU to a road victory over Clemson and earned Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week and SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors for that performance. The LSU staff consistently highlighted his leadership, toughness and mastery of the offense, and he was named a permanent team captain while also wearing LSU’s number 18.
Notable statistics
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Overall offensive rating of 77.1
Nussmeier’s 2024 season remains his clearest year of evaluation, combining volume, production and solid efficiency against SEC competition.
SKILLS
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Aggressive mentality pushing the ball down the field
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Comfortable use from the structure
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Experienced high-volume passer
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Demonstrates command and leadership at the line of scrimmage
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Can extend games when needed
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Proven production in big moments
Nussmeier wins first with confidence and armed talent. LSU’s offense was built around him once he became a full-time starter, and he showed he could handle a heavy passing workload. His 2024 PFF profile reflects that, posting an 84.5 offensive rating and 81.3 passing grade while throwing for over 4,000 yards with 29 touchdowns. He also produced 26 big shots that season, demonstrating his willingness to challenge tight windows and attack all levels of the field.
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There’s a real toughness to his game, too. The LSU bio makes it clear that he played through injuries and remained the emotional center of the offense. This is important when projecting quarterbacks to the next level, especially players who may need to gain confidence in a quarterback room before starting.
Nussmeier is not a true dual-threat quarterback, but he is mobile enough to extend plays and avoid dead turnovers. His game relies more on pace, anticipation and arm confidence than dynamic running ability. When he stays on schedule, he can distribute effectively and keep the offense moving.
Player Summary
Garrett Nussmeier projects as a Rounds 2-4 selection with entry-level tools and a strong production resume, but his evaluation will depend on how teams weigh his aggressive playing style, injury-shortened 2025 season and overall ceiling against the rest of the quarterback class. His 2024 tape gives teams the best picture of what he can be when healthy and in charge.
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In Tampa Bay, Nussmeier would profile as a developing quarterback with enough arm talent and competitive stamina to fit into a vertical passing structure. He would make sense as a long-term depth option that could be developed behind an established starter while refining consistency, decision-making and pocket management.
This article was originally published on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Scouting Report on LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier
