Former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been one of the most polarizing prospects during the pre-draft process. Nussmeier generated plenty of preseason Heisman Trophy hype last year, but a disappointing season for the Tigers, coupled with an abdominal injury, marred his final season in Baton Rouge ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Brian Kelly Compares Garrett Nussmeier’s Toughness to Shedeur Sanders
During this week’s segment of “Inside College Football” on CBS Sports Network, former LSU head coach Brian Kelly weighed in on Nussmeier’s career while throwing shade at Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ aversion to contact in the league.
“I love him,” Kelly said. “First of all, you talk about a guy that’s committed. He waited his turn behind Jayden Daniels. Could have very easily transferred in that period of time, like many others, and sought another opportunity, but he wanted to be a Tiger. He wanted to play for LSU.
“The injuries really set him back this year. The quarterback position, you’re gonna get hit, that’s just the nature of it. He’s not gonna be Shedeur Sanders. He’s not gonna run away from contact. Staying healthy is going to be really important. If he does, he’s going to deliver the ball to playmakers.”
Nussmeier stepped into the breach at LSU after former Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels departed for the NFL in 2024, leading the team to a 9-4 record in his first season as the starting quarterback and 5-4 in his second season before being shut down for the rest of the year.
The talented quarterback repaired his uncertain draft stock after winning the Senior Bowl MVP and performing impressively in front of NFL executives and scouts at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in February.
The 2026 NFL Draft class has been criticized for its lack of quarterback talent, with only former Indiana Hoosiers star Fernando Mendoza and ex-Alabama Crimson Tide standout Ty Simpson receiving first-round grades.
Nussmeier will compete with former Miami Hurricanes star Carson Beck to be the third quarterback off the board on draft night. Kelly further broke down the intangibles that make Nussmeier an intriguing prospect in this draft class.
“He (Nussmeier) has an incredible football IQ and he has an incredible off-platform throwing ability,” Kelly said. “He doesn’t just need to be a three-step drop. He can throw it sidearm, he can move, he can escape. I just love the kid and can’t wait to see what happens in the NFL.”
In nine games played for LSU before his season was cut short by injury, Nussmeier earned a PFSN College QB Impact score of 75.9 after registering 1,927 passing yards on 67.4% completion, resulting in 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.
