Todd McShay makes the case for Garrett Nussmeier to remain top quarterback in NFL Draft class

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier entered the season as one of the Heisman Trophy favorites after eclipsing 300 passing yards in eight games last season. His final year of college football hasn’t quite gone his way, however, as he’s dealt with injuries and failed to hit that mark in all seven of his games.

The Tigers opened the year with a massive win over No. 4 Clemson, but are just 4-2 over their last six games. This has put LSU at 5-2, needing to potentially win out to clinch its first College Football Playoff appearance since 2019. Nussmeier’s struggles have impacted the Tigers’ winning ways, as he’s passed for just a combined 654 yards (218 YPG), four touchdowns and one interception in three games against ranked opponents (1-2).

Although Nuss hasn’t quite produced like he was expected to, NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay still has the Lake Charles, LA native as his top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He explained more this week.

“I think it’s Garrett Nussmeier,” McShay said when asked who his top NFL Draft prospect quarterback was on ‘The Triple Option.’ “I still do. If you go back and watch his tape against Ole Miss, that is not Garrett. That’s not Nuss. I was taking the tape and like zooming in, like, ‘Is he wincing or grabbing at anything?’ He’s fighting through it, and you love it about him.”

McShay claims LSU isn’t helping Nussmeier succeed

“I thought the South Carolina tape was a lot better,” McShay continued. “I think he’s starting to get a little healthier, but they can’t protect him, man. The receivers haven’t been LSU-caliber receivers. This is not the (Justin) Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase and all those guys. So there’s a lot working against him this year.

“But I do truly believe in him with his understanding of the game and the way he can play in rhythm. Unfortunately, doesn’t quite have the arm of Baker Mayfield, but I think the way he plays the game is a spitting image. So I think it will work in the NFL.

“I believe in it. But I’m not racing out to take him in the first 15 picks in the NFL Draft because he’s not the biggest, fastest, or have the biggest arm. He’s gonna have to overcome a lot of those things, and he’s been run down by injuries.”

Nussmeier, who has played five seasons at LSU (three as a backup, the last two as a starter), is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the upcoming Draft. He is also the son of current New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.