Garrett Nussmeier Shines Bright in Senior Bowl, Takes Home MVP Honors
Garrett Nussmeier didn’t need a full game to make a lasting impression - just three drives, a few sharp throws, and one determined scramble into the end zone. The former LSU quarterback was named the 2026 Senior Bowl MVP after a strong opening performance that reminded everyone why he was once considered a top-tier NFL Draft prospect.
From the first snap, Nussmeier looked in command. Named the starter for the American team, he led a methodical 12-play, 68-yard opening drive that ended with him calling his own number on a three-yard touchdown run. It was a confident finish to a drive that showcased his poise and decision-making - and it didn’t hurt that he looked comfortable working with familiar faces.
One of those familiar faces? LSU wide receiver Barion Brown.
Nussmeier hit Brown with a key pass to move the chains and push the American squad into the red zone. That Tiger-to-Tiger connection was a continuation of the chemistry they’d shown all week in practice, and it helped set the tone early.
The American team got the ball back quickly after a turnover on the National team’s first possession, and Nussmeier wasted no time capitalizing. A series of runs set up another scoring opportunity, and this time, after punching it in, the American squad opted to go for two. Nussmeier delivered again, finding Notre Dame wideout Malachi Fields in the end zone for the successful conversion.
His final drive ended on a sour note - a well-placed throw over the middle slipped through the hands of Wyoming tight end John Michael Gyllenborg and was intercepted by Nebraska safety Deshon Singleton. It was a tough break on what had been a near-flawless afternoon, but it didn’t take away from the body of work Nussmeier had already put together.
He finished the day 5-of-8 passing for 57 yards, with one rushing touchdown and a successful two-point conversion. More importantly, he looked healthy, confident, and in rhythm - all things scouts were hoping to see after a late-season core injury derailed his final year at LSU.
That injury had cast some doubt over his draft stock. After a preseason filled with Heisman buzz and first-round projections, Nussmeier’s 2025 campaign fell short of expectations.
He started nine games, throwing for 1,927 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions - solid numbers, but not the leap many were expecting. The injury clearly played a role in that regression, and it ultimately cut his season short.
But this week in Mobile, Nussmeier got the chance to reset the narrative. He showed off the arm talent, the mobility, and the leadership that once had NFL teams circling his name. And while the Senior Bowl isn’t the final word in a player’s draft journey, it’s a big stage - and Nussmeier made the most of it.
He wasn’t the only LSU Tiger making noise, either. Alongside Barion Brown, fellow receivers Aaron Anderson and Chris Hilton Jr. also got reps throughout the week, helping to showcase the depth of talent coming out of Baton Rouge.
But Saturday belonged to Nussmeier. In just three drives, he reminded everyone what he’s capable of when healthy.
The MVP trophy is a nice addition to his resume - but more importantly, he may have reignited the momentum he lost during the season. NFL teams watching likely saw what they needed to: a quarterback with tools, toughness, and the ability to lead an offense.
And with the NFL Combine and Pro Days still ahead, Garrett Nussmeier just made things a lot more interesting.