Kentucky is pursuing familiar QB name on recruiting trail

The 2027 high school recruiting cycle has come into focus for the Kentucky football program. The Wildcats just wrapped up a huge junior day weekend and are hitting the road to see prospects. Everyone is watching closely to see what Will Stein‘s first staff will do at quarterback in its first full recruiting cycle. A familiar name emerged on Wednesday.

Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus quarterback Colton Nussmeier has received an offer from the Wildcats.

All Glory to God!! Thankful to have received an offer from The University of Kentucky #BBN @RecruitMarcusFB @Talonsmith_ @Coach_A_MHS @adamgorney @samspiegs @MikeRoach247 pic.twitter.com/g69UD8vIQr
— Colton Nussmeier (@coltonnussmeier) January 21, 2026

Why does that name sound familiar? Because it is one you have heard multiple times in recent seasons following the SEC. Colton’s dad, Doug, is currently the New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator. Before that, the 55-year-old spent five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Ahead of his current run in the NFL, the elder Nussmeier was was an offensive coordinator in college football from 2008-17 with stops at Fresno State, Washington, Alabama, Michigan, and Florida. The play caller worked for Steve Sarkisian, Nick Saban, Brady Hoke, and Jim McElwain before jumping back into pro football. He is not the only other Nussmeier you know.

Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning

By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.

Garrett Nussmeier, Colton’s other brother, spent the last five seasons at LSU playing for Ed Orgeron and Brian Kelly. The quarterback was a two-year starter for the Tigers. His position coach for four of those seasons and play caller for his seasons as QB1 was Kentucky offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. Now Sloan is trying to recruit anther Nussmeier.

Kentucky is currently spraying the board at multiple positions. There is a clear connection with Sloan and the Nussmeier family. Colton Nussmeier is the No. 73 overall player and No. 6 quarterback in the 2027 Rivals Industry Ranking. Sloan was recruiting the youngest Nussmeier at LSU. That has continued at UK. Numerous SEC programs are involved in this recruiting. The Cats officially entered the race this week and have a clear angle due to Sloan’s work history with the Nussmeiers.

Recruiting never stops.