Garrett Nussmeier is heading into a pivotal week in Mobile, Alabama, where the Senior Bowl offers him a prime opportunity to reset the narrative around his NFL Draft stock. Once considered a potential top pick heading into the 2025 college football season, the LSU quarterback saw his trajectory take a hit after a frustrating, injury-riddled final year in Baton Rouge. But with a strong showing this week, he has a real shot to climb back up draft boards - and some analysts believe he’s ready to do just that.
According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, Nussmeier could be the standout quarterback in Mobile. Reid pointed to Nussmeier’s anticipation and accuracy as traits that could really pop in this type of controlled, competitive environment.
At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Nussmeier doesn’t overwhelm you physically, but his mindset is what sets him apart. He’s aggressive - a true gunslinger - and he’s not afraid to rip throws into tight coverage, whether it’s over the middle or outside the numbers.
That “daredevil” mentality, as Reid described it, is part of what made Nussmeier such an intriguing prospect coming into last season. He’s also got the kind of football IQ that shows up in the little things - like how he adjusts protections at the line of scrimmage. That’s a skill that often goes unnoticed on Saturdays but becomes invaluable on Sundays.
The buzz around Nussmeier has cooled since his breakout 2024 campaign. Injuries derailed what was supposed to be his big year, and his production took a clear step back.
As a result, scouts are all over the map on where he might land in the draft. Some see him as a potential third-rounder; others have him slotted closer to the fifth or sixth.
That kind of variance speaks to both the uncertainty and the upside in his game.
But this week is all about opportunity. The Senior Bowl is where quarterbacks can separate themselves - not just with arm talent, but with how they command a huddle, process new schemes, and perform under pressure in front of NFL decision-makers.
For Nussmeier, it’s a clean slate. No more battling injuries.
No more what-ifs. Just a chance to show the traits that once had evaluators thinking he could be the first quarterback off the board.
If he delivers, don’t be surprised to see his name start climbing again. There’s still time for Nussmeier to rewrite the ending to his college story - and it starts this week in Mobile.