Rece Davis believes Garrett Nussmeier could be No. 1 overall pick in 2026

Garrett Nussmeier is entering his final season at LSU, and ESPN analyst Rece Davis expects it to be a good one. On the College GameDay Podcast, Davis made a bold prediction about Nussmeier’s future.

“I think [the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft] might end up being Nussmeier,” Davis said. “It comes out hot and nice with that cat. It just pops off his hand.”

Last season was Nussmeier’s first as LSU’s full-time starting QB. In 13 starts, he completed 337-of-his-525 (64.2%) pass attempts for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns compared to just 12 interceptions. Nussmeier also recorded three rushing TDs.

Nussmeier finished the season strong, completing 24-of-34 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns in LSU’s 44-31 win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl. Davis believes Nussmeier possesses rare talent.

“Nussmeier might be one of those super gifted guys,” Davis said. “But I also think that probably both LSU this year and whatever NFL team gets him, they’re going to have some ‘Why did he throw that’ moments because of the supreme confidence he has in his ability to make those throws and I actually love that kind of guy. I think he’s terrific. He’s fun to watch.”

At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Nussmeier boasts solid size and has a powerful arm. Rece Davis is far from the only expert who believes Nussmeier could have a bright future at the next level.

Earlier this week, NFL expert Todd McShay projected Nussmeier to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt also has high expectations for the Tigers’ QB.

“Garrett Nussmeier is going to be one of the top picks in the NFL Draft,” Klatt said. “I believe in him. Second year as a starter, fifth in the program. He sat behind Jayden Daniels. He’s seen it done at a high level.”

Individual success isn’t at the top of Nussmeier’s priorities. In March, Nussmeier discussed his focus on LSU’s team success heading into the 2025 campaign.

“I’m worried about doing the best I can to help LSU win a national championship,” Nussmeier said. “That’s the mindset, that’s the energy and intensity that I bring every single day.

“It’s not about me, it’s not about the transition or the Year 2 (jump), it’s about LSU football and Year 4 under coach Kelly, what are we going to do? And you know, we’re not afraid to admit it, we’ve set the standard of where we expect to be, and we expect to play football in January next year.”