Garrett Nussmeier closed out his college career in style, earning MVP honors at the 2026 Senior Bowl and giving NFL scouts one more reason to take notice. The former LSU quarterback led the American team to a 17-9 win over the National squad in Mobile, capping off a strong week of practice with a performance that, while not statistically overwhelming, showed poise, athleticism, and leadership.
Nussmeier completed 5 of 8 passes for 57 yards, tossed one interception, and added a 3-yard touchdown run that helped spark a fast start for the American side. That early score was part of a 14-point first-quarter surge that gave his team control of the game from the outset.
While the passing numbers won’t jump off the page, Nussmeier’s command of the offense and ability to bounce back from mistakes were what stood out. He looked comfortable in the pocket, made smart decisions, and showed the kind of competitive edge teams love to see in a late-season showcase like this.
He wasn’t alone in taking snaps for the American team - Illinois’ Luke Altmyer and Arkansas’ Taylen Green also saw action - but Nussmeier made the most of his limited reps and walked away with the game’s top individual honor. It was a fitting conclusion to a week in which he consistently impressed during practices, earning praise for his mechanics, timing, and football IQ.
On the other side, Diego Pavia - the former Vanderbilt standout - arguably had the cleanest day throwing the football. Playing for the National team, Pavia went 10-of-13 for 78 yards, showing accuracy and rhythm in the short-to-intermediate game.
But his mobility was stifled, as he finished with minus-12 rushing yards on four carries, two of which came on sacks by the American defense. Despite his solid passing line, the National offense struggled to find rhythm until late in the game.
The American team’s early offensive burst set the tone. After Nussmeier’s touchdown run, Oklahoma’s Jaydn Ott followed up with a 5-yard touchdown carry to extend the lead. BYU kicker Will Ferrin added a 40-yard field goal before halftime, pushing the score to 17-0 and capping a dominant first half for the American squad.
The National team finally got on the board in the fourth quarter thanks to a 50-yard field goal from Iowa’s Drew Stevens. Florida International’s Kejon Owens punched in a 1-yard touchdown with just 90 seconds left, but by then, the outcome was all but sealed.
In a game that’s more about evaluation than the final score, Nussmeier’s performance - both during the game and throughout the week - stood out. He showed enough to suggest he could be more than just a developmental prospect at the next level. And for quarterbacks looking to climb draft boards, that’s exactly what the Senior Bowl is all about.