Todd McShay compares Garrett Nussmeier to Baker Mayfield in early 2026 NFL Draft analysis

NFL Draft expert Todd McShay found an NFL comparison for LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, next year’s presumptive top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. Nussmeier could go No. 1 overall, be a first round, first QB selected, etc.

McShay likened his game to Baker Mayfield, a former No. 1 overall pick out of Oklahoma. A Heisman Trophy winner, Mayfield had a career resurgence in recent years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

McShay still has to break down the tape, but Mayfield comes to mind. Nussmeier could become a superstar this season, though, especially if he leads LSU to the College Football Playoff.

“Studying tape on Garrett Nussmeier in preparation for Thursday’s show (Summer Scouting Series continues),” McShay wrote on Twitter. “There are so many similarities to Baker Mayfield in his game. Couple bumps in the road but mostly a thrill ride!”

Nussmeier stepped into the starting role at LSU last season, replacing Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. He threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 64.2% completion percentage.

While biding his time, Nussmeier learned. He’ll enter the 2025 season as a fifth-year senior and it could very well be the best season yet. Compared to Mayfield, Nussmeier doesn’t necessarily take off and run the football. Mayfield is more apt to do so when necessary.

“Garrett Nussmeier might not be the most athletic guy out there, but he’s huge, and he threw for over 4,000 yards last year,” Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt, who ranked Nussmeier No. 6 in his top 10 QBs for 2025, said. “He’s an absolute gunslinger, good and bad. He can take some chances, but in that offense with Brian Kelly, you know that he’s going to put up numbers.

“LSU is going to be a really good football team. This should be Brian’s best LSU team, I think, at least. Got to cut down on turnovers, 15 last year. And for a traditional pocket guy that’s not going to bail you out with his legs, minimizing turnovers is a must. You cannot turn the football over if you’re going to be a traditional pocket guy.”

As evidenced by his 12 interceptions, Nussmeier might take too many chances. Whether he takes fewer chances or cleans things up, it’ll be paramount. But one thing’s for certain, that gamer and gunslinger mentality is certainly comparable to Mayfield.