Garrett Nussmeier’s NFL Draft Stock Is Rising Again-And Miami Might Be the Perfect Fit
Heading into the 2025 college football season, Garrett Nussmeier looked every bit the part of a first-round NFL Draft pick. The LSU quarterback had the arm talent, the production, and the poise to back it up.
But football rarely follows a straight path. An abdominal injury derailed his senior campaign, cutting his season short and dimming some of the first-round buzz that had surrounded him.
Still, Nussmeier didn’t fade quietly. He made the most of his opportunity at the Senior Bowl, putting together a statement performance that earned him MVP honors and reminded scouts why he was so highly regarded in the first place. Now, with the draft just a couple of months away, Nussmeier’s name is climbing boards again-this time as a potential Day 2 steal.
In a recent 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Nussmeier is projected to land with the Miami Dolphins in the third round, 87th overall. That would make him the third quarterback off the board, behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (1st overall to the Raiders) and Alabama’s Ty Simpson (21st overall to the Steelers). And while it’s not the first-round slot many once envisioned for Nussmeier, it’s a landing spot that could offer real opportunity.
Miami’s Quarterback Picture Is in Flux
The Dolphins are entering a new chapter. Mike McDaniel is out, and Jeff Hafley is stepping in to guide the franchise forward.
One of his biggest early decisions? Figuring out the quarterback room.
Tua Tagovailoa, once the face of the franchise, was benched for the final three games of the regular season. Quinn Ewers stepped in but didn’t exactly lock down the starting job with his play. That leaves Miami in a bit of a quarterback limbo-likely out of range for a top-tier QB in the first round, but still very much in the market for a developmental option with upside.
That’s where Nussmeier comes in.
A Tale of Two Seasons at LSU
Nussmeier’s 2024 campaign was shaping up to be special. He threw for over 4,000 yards, racked up 29 touchdowns, and led the SEC in completions with 337. His decision to return to Baton Rouge for one more year instead of entering the 2025 NFL Draft looked like a smart one-until the injury struck.
Playing through an abdominal issue early in the season, Nussmeier eventually had to shut it down, missing LSU’s final three regular season games and the Texas Bowl. He finished the season with 1,927 passing yards and 12 touchdowns-solid numbers, but a far cry from the pace he’d set the year before.
That drop-off hurt his draft stock in the short term. But his Senior Bowl performance showed that when healthy, Nussmeier still has the tools to be a difference-maker at the next level.
What Nussmeier Brings to the Table
At his best, Nussmeier is a rhythm passer with excellent touch and anticipation. He sees the field well, processes quickly, and can make all the throws. He’s not a dual-threat quarterback, but he’s mobile enough to extend plays and operate outside the pocket when needed.
His mechanics are clean, and his footwork is polished-traits that should make him coachable and ready to contribute early in his NFL career, even if it’s in a backup role to start. And perhaps most importantly, he’s shown resilience. Coming back from injury and delivering on a big stage like the Senior Bowl says a lot about his mental makeup.
A Potential Steal on Day 2
For a team like Miami, which may not be in position to draft a top-tier quarterback in the first round, Nussmeier offers a compelling alternative. He’s not a plug-and-play starter right now, but with the right development, he could grow into a reliable option-maybe even more.
There’s always risk when drafting a quarterback outside the first round. But there’s also reward. And Nussmeier, with his pedigree, production, and bounce-back performance, could be one of the more intriguing Day 2 quarterbacks in this class.
Tiger fans will be watching closely. And if Nussmeier does end up in Miami, he’ll bring with him not just a strong arm and a high football IQ, but a chip on his shoulder-and that might be exactly what the Dolphins need.