NFL Insider Explains Why Garrett Nussmeier Keeps Falling In NFL Draft

A year ago LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was seen as not only a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, but as perhaps the top QB in the class. Unfortunately, the facts on the ground are telling a very different story.

As of writing, it's the middle of the seventh round of the NFL Draft and Nussmeier is still on the board. Eight QBs have been drafted, some of whom you've heard of and some who fans can barely spell the names of.

So why is Nussmeier falling despite all of the hype from last year?

According to NFL insider Albert Breer, the factors may be twofold. One is a series of concerning injuries that he dealt with last year. Breer reported that he has "a nerve problem" that caused him oblique pain, as well as a cyst in his back that had to be dealt with.

The other factor is his 2025 tape, which was simply not great. Despite completing over 67-percent of his passes, Nussmeier had less than 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in nine games.

"Nussmeier dealt with oblique pain last year, as a result of a nerve problem. A cyst was found in his back, and that's at least part of this. His tape not being great last year is the other obvious factor," Breer reported.

The dangers of returning to school

It's pretty clear that Nussmeier made the wrong move in returning to LSU for a fifth season after enjoying a solid, if not "special" 2024 season.

In 2024, Nussmeier completed 64.2-percent of his passes for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. While the turnover rate was pretty rough, he was a model of consistency and seemed destined to be playing on Sundays soon.

But things collapsed not just for Nussmeier but for the entire Tigers team in 2025. Head coach Brian Kelly was fired midseason and there was controversy over how the team replaced him with Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.

Speaking of Ole Miss, Nussmeier's situation should really serve as a reminder to other prospects who chose to return to school - such as Trinidad Chambliss or Dante Moore - that draft stock is never guaranteed to go up and is usually more likely to go down.

Hopefully Nussmeier's health issues get resolved before training camp. As far as the tape goes, only coaching can make him a better player.

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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 6:16 PM.