Evaluating quarterbacks is a tricky business, and history has shown us that predicting who will rise to greatness is far from straightforward. Remember when Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes was just another college quarterback?
Fast forward, and he’s now one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. Tom Brady, the legendary 199th pick, and Brock Purdy, the final selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, remind us that talent can emerge from unexpected places.
So, who could be the hidden gem in this year’s draft? According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, keep your eyes on LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.
Solak recently unveiled his All-Film team for the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting standout players at each position. Nussmeier caught Solak’s attention with his impressive 2024 game tape, earning comparisons to Ty Simpson’s 2025 performance at Alabama.
Yet, intriguingly, Nussmeier might be selected a couple of rounds after Simpson.
Nussmeier’s journey has been anything but ordinary. His 2025 season was challenging, with LSU’s offensive line not quite matching its previous year’s prowess. Add in some injury woes, and it’s clear why his stats dipped from a 4,000-yard season in 2024 to under 3,000 yards in 2025, had he maintained his pace through every game.
Despite these hurdles, Nussmeier’s fundamentals remain strong. With a coaching lineage in his family, he’s got the pedigree and potential to surprise many.
Could Nussmeier be the quarterback who turns heads next season? Only time will tell, but he’s certainly a name to watch.