It’s by no means too early to guage quarterback depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. Even when a crew is secure underneath heart, entrance workplaces nonetheless do in depth work on passers as a result of arm expertise, toughness, and long-term upside stay premium traits throughout the league. For Tampa Bay, any quarterback analysis has to begin with whether or not the participant can operate inside an NFL construction whereas additionally creating when issues break down.
We’re working by every place group this cycle. With that in thoughts, right here is our report on LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
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Data
Peak Weight: 6-1, 205 kilos
Hometown: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Background
Nussmeier spent 5 years at LSU and began for the ultimate two seasons, showing in 40 video games with 23 begins. He completed his faculty profession as one of the crucial productive passers at school historical past, rating No. 2 in completions and makes an attempt, No. 3 in passing yards, and tied for No. 4 in landing passes. He accomplished 660 of 1,032 makes an attempt for 7,699 yards, 52 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions whereas posting a 15-8 file as LSU’s starter.
His 2024 season was his most full season. Nussmeier began all 13 video games, threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, and led LSU to a Texas Bowl win over Baylor whereas incomes MVP honors. He additionally added MVP honors within the ReliaQuest Bowl following the 2023 season and later earned Senior Bowl MVP recognition in 2026, giving him a powerful postseason résumé.
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Nussmeier’s 2025 season was shortened by torso and belly accidents, however he nonetheless opened the 12 months by main LSU to a street win over Clemson and earned each Walter Camp Nationwide Offensive Participant of the Week and SEC Offensive Participant of the Week honors for that efficiency. LSU’s employees persistently emphasised his management, toughness, and command of the offense, and he was named a everlasting crew captain whereas additionally sporting LSU’s No. 18.
Notable Stats
77.1 general offensive grade
Nussmeier’s 2024 season stays his clearest analysis 12 months, combining quantity, manufacturing, and stable effectivity in opposition to SEC competitors.
Expertise
Aggressive mentality pushing the ball downfield
Snug working from construction
Skilled high-volume passer
Exhibits command and management on the line of scrimmage
Can prolong performs when wanted
Confirmed manufacturing in huge moments
Nussmeier wins first with confidence and arm expertise. LSU’s offense was constructed round him as soon as he grew to become the full-time starter, and he confirmed he may deal with a heavy passing workload. His 2024 PFF profile displays that, posting an 84.5 offensive grade and an 81.3 passing grade whereas throwing for over 4,000 yards with 29 touchdowns. He additionally produced 26 big-time throws that season, exhibiting the willingness to problem tight home windows and assault all ranges of the sphere.
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There may be additionally actual toughness to his sport. LSU’s bio makes it clear that he performed by accidents and remained the emotional heart of the offense. That issues when projecting quarterbacks to the following degree, particularly gamers who could must earn belief in a quarterback room earlier than they ever get a begin.
Nussmeier shouldn’t be a real dual-threat quarterback, however he’s cellular sufficient to increase performs and keep away from lifeless reps. His sport is constructed extra on rhythm, anticipation, and arm confidence than on dynamic speeding skill. When he’s on schedule, he can distribute effectively and hold the offense transferring.
Participant Abstract
Garrett Nussmeier initiatives as a Spherical 2 to Spherical 4 choice with starter-caliber instruments and a powerful manufacturing résumé, however his analysis will come right down to how groups weigh his aggressive play type, injury-shortened 2025 season, and general ceiling in comparison with the remainder of the quarterback class. His 2024 tape provides groups the most effective image of what he might be when wholesome and in command.
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In Tampa Bay, Nussmeier would profile as a developmental quarterback with sufficient arm expertise and aggressive toughness to slot in a vertical passing construction. He would make sense as a long-term depth choice who may very well be developed behind a longtime starter whereas refining consistency, decision-making, and pocket administration.
This text initially appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Scouting report on LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier
