The 2025 season fell short of preseason expectations for LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
Nussmeier was once considered a first-round prospect, but an injury he suffered during fall camp and a disappointing season derailed that hope.
Garrett Nussmeier Attributes Draft Stock to Injuries
Nussmeier believes he is the same player who looked like a future NFL starter in 2024, and has continued to improve.
He was injured two days into fall camp before the 2025 season, experiencing “stabbing pain” in his abdomen while passing. The injury persisted throughout the season and hindered his ability to throw.
Despite the challenges, Nussmeier completed 194 of 288 passes (67.4%) for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His PFSN QB Impact grade last season was 75.9, ranking 110th nationally.
As a junior in 2024, he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. Over his career, he completed 660 of 1,032 passes (64.0%) for 7,699 yards, 52 passing touchdowns, five rushing touchdowns, and 24 interceptions.
“It was a frustrating deal,” Nussmeier said. “It was just a rare deal, and we really didn’t figure out what it was until two months ago.”
Nussmeier joined SiriusXM NFL Radio to discuss his injury.
“I’m a competitor, I wanted to win, I wanted to be there for my guys”
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier on battling thru injuries in 2025 and why he believes his best football is still ahead of him.
📻 https://t.co/ROaoooKTca@LSUfootball I @Garrettnuss13 I @JacobHester18 pic.twitter.com/lJCLh600A5
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) April 9, 2026
“It didn’t matter what I had going on, I was going to go out there and play,” Nussmeier explained. “I think that’s one of things I’m most proud of throughout my time at LSU. No matter what the outside noise might [be], no matter what people might remember me for at LSU now because of this last season, but for me, the fact that I just fought through that – I couldn’t even throw the football and I still did everything I could to try to compete on Saturdays.”
Nussmeier has explained the injury to the NFL teams he has spoken with.
“I bring that point up a lot in these meetings with teams and explain that to them,” Nussmeier said. “It’s very evident on tape. I couldn’t throw the ball and I still played. I’m a competitor, I wanted to win, I wanted to be there for my guys.”
Nussmeier was frustrated because he believed he had grown between the 2024 and 2025 seasons and played well last spring, but injuries derailed his progress. He wants teams to know that he is better than the player he was in 2024 and couldn’t prove it last year due to the injuries.
With the draft approaching, Nussmeier has been linked to several teams, including the Miami Dolphins as a replacement for Tua Tagovailoa, who was released and has since signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
PFSN’s Cameron Sheath projects the Dolphins to select Nussmeier in the third round with the 90th pick. With five picks in the first 90, it would not be surprising if the Dolphins select a quarterback.
Nussmeier’s final draft position remains uncertain. A team could trade up to select him or wait until the later rounds.
