Position: QB
Height: 6’2
Weight: 205
Stats: 2025 (6 games) – 66%, 1413 yards, 9 TD, 5 INT, 19 att, 13 yds, TD
Class/Age: RS Senior, 23
Team: LSU
Positives:
Nussmeier is highly experienced, with over 40 games of experience by the time the 2026 season is over. He displays good arm talent, with the ability to layer passes and complete hole shots. Additionally, his arm strength is above average with an ability to get a strong zip on passes across the middle and work the sideline. Nussmeier’s ability to layer passes is likely
the best of any QB other than Fernando Mendoza in this class. He’s a strong armed quarterback who has the ability to complete a variety of throws, especially NFL caliber throws working cross hashes. Nussmeier does a good job anticipating windows and throwing between lanes creating separation for his receivers and allowing them to gain more YAC. Nussmeier works well under pressure with the ability to put touch on the ball and stay strong in the pocket under pressure, his arm strength remains strong and he completes a high rate of mid to high caliber throws. Nussmeier does have an excellent job trusting himself with the ability to pull the trigger on deep pass attempts and he isn’t afraid of pushing the ball downfield. While not extremely mobile, Nussmeier has adequate ability to work a pocket and extend plays. He keeps his body fluid when moving around and has showcased flashes of making throws on the run and off platform but not consistently. Nussmeier has a strong release, utilizes his body and his mechanics are extremely fluid. Nussmeier does a good job recorrecting his footwork, keeping his hips aligned, and utilizing his entire body through the throw to complete high caliber attempts.
Weakness:
Nussmeier’s frame is small, and well below average for an NFL quarterback, additionally Nussmeier will need to add weight in order to hold up in the NFL through injuries, where he’s had a minor track record through his time at LSU with shoulder and core injuries so far. Nussmeier struggled to break sacks and fight through contact, while almost seeing to shy away from contact especially in the pocket where there’s instances of Nussmeier drifting into a sack or lacking the ability to fight through to continue and extend a play. Nussmeier has a tendency to get caught staring down receivers and will consistently get picked off over the middle in the NFL, he struggles to complete NFL progressions at times and will struggle. Nussmeier will need to refine his decision making along with his progressions, where Nussmeier would over trust himself and cause throws to go into highly volatile situations resulting in turnovers. Additionally, Nussmeier trusts himself too much making errant throws and struggling with pre snap motion from the defense which also caused poor reads. Nussmeier lack consistency and struggles to complete the mental consistency that is required to be an NFL quarterback. Finally, Nussmeier showed significant regression since 2024 in terms of his overall accuracy and decision making leading to questions about his ability to consistently improve.
Grade: 4.4 – Mid Round 4
Pro-Comp: Kenny Pickett
Nussmeier has the traits that will get him selected likely early day 3 or late day 2, mainly his arm strength and extremely advanced mechanics/release. Despite his age and experience, Nussmeier still struggles under pressure and reading defenses which will not translate to the NFL. Nussmeier will need to sit for at least one season in order to develop the mental traits while also becoming a better player under pressure and going through progressions. For a team requiring an immediate starter, Nussmeier doesn’t make sense but for a team needing a developmental quarterback that COULD be their franchise starter in 2-3 years, Nussmeier does make sense.
