Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU) | Scouting Report by Matthew Reynolds
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Garrett Nussmeier is a 6’2”, 205lb QB from Louisiana State University. Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and grew up there until 2018 when his dad, Doug Nussmeier, got an assistant coaching job with the Dallas Cowboys. Nussmeier played at Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas, where he threw for over 8,000 yards and 83 TDs, earning District 6-6A MVP honors. He was also named to the Under Armour All-American game in 2020. Nussmeier was a 4-Star prospect, committed to LSU, and played there his entire college career. He appeared in games all 5 seasons he was there, but took over starting duties before the 2024 season. In 2024, he started all 13 games, throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 TDs to 12 Ints, completing 64.2% of his passes, and led Texas to the Texas Bowl win over Baylor. Before the 2025 season, he was awarded the #18 jersey number by his head coach, which at LSU is awarded annually to a player who exemplifies leadership, character, and dedication to the program. Entered 2025 as a Top 5 Heisman candidate before a severe preseason oblique injury derailed his season, however he played through it and was not quite the same player as 2024, starting 9 games and throwing for 1,927 yards and 12 TDs to 5 Ints with a 67.4 completion percentage, before being benched after his 9th game. Bad play calling also played a factor in his lack of production.
Garrett Nussmeier is a highly cerebral QB, with good physical tools. He possesses a solid build with a stronger lower half, and can fight through tacklers at a solid level, and has good burst and speed when running the ball. The best aspect of his game is his mental ability. Pre-snap, will make adjustments based on what the defense is showing, and audibles into successful plays. He flows through progressions, quickly turning down bad reads and checking it down when needed. Has very good feel for soft spots in zones and exploits them. When flushed from the pocket, he keeps looking to throw instead of taking off and running for yardage, unless he has to. Can pull down bad throws last second to run or throw it away. Plays with the mentality of living to see another down. Won’t force throws into double or triple coverage, and throws the ball away when the play is dead. When pressured on 1st and 2nd down, he rushes his footwork and throws off his accuracy, often sailing throws. However, on crucial downs, will stand in the face of pressure and deliver good throws with proper footwork. Nussmeier is a true gamer. When he gets hit, despite playing through injury in 2025, gets right back up and doesn’t change his playstyle. Attacks the defense on crucial downs and plays smart football on 1st and 2nd down.
He possesses overall good accuracy, with his best throws coming from short and deep routes from a clean pocket. Only throws deep when he can hold the safety with his eyes or when he has true 1 on 1 coverage. Has very good accuracy and placement on the run, but only adequate ability off platform. Accuracy takes a dip against pressure. He has solid arm ability. He can throw with touch, highlighted best by elite placement on fades and go routes. He has good zip when healthy, but while playing through injury in 2025, would overcompensate his zip which resulted in some bad plays. He can throw cross hashes, deep outs, and corner routes due to his anticipation and ball placement. Struggles with off-platform throws. His pocket ability is solid overall. He has a very good 3-step drop. Almost always hitches to throw, would like to see more throws at the top of his dropback. When the pocket is collapsing, it drifts towards pressure, which can result in sacks or leaving the pocket early. He can climb in the pocket and has good awareness and feel. When the play breaks down, Nussmeier can create at a solid level, but will not force a throw and either run or throw it away. Overall, Nussmeier’s best traits are his very good mental ability, anticipation, short- and deep-accuracy, and good running ability. Areas he needs to improve are his footwork, pocket presence, and accuracy under pressure.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit:
Nussmeier would thrive in a Shanahan-style system, where he is allowed to pick defenses apart from the pocket and get the ball to his playmakers quickly. He would fit great with the 49ers or Chargers.
NFL Player Comp: Brock Purdy
Nussmeier possesses a similar build and arm ability to Brock Purdy. Both players are very smart and can pick you apart from the pocket while avoiding negative plays, and can scramble when they have to.
Projection: League Average Starter
Nussmeier has the requisite mental ability to succeed at QB in the NFL, but his physical tools, while solid, keep him from being an elite player. I believe he should start on the bench his first year to fully recover from his oblique injury, and after his third year in the league, he will be a league-average starter.
Grade and Round Projection: 5.38, High Second Round Pick
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