Garrett Nussmeier entered this week with a lot to gain. The Senior Bowl gives players preparing for the NFL Draft a chance to showcase their skill sets directly to NFL teams and potentially boost their draft stock.
The Senior Bowl game is slated for Saturday, January 31 at 2:30 p.m. ET from Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. In the days leading up to the game, players partake in practices, live drills, and interviews with NFL organizations. For a player like Nussmeier, a strong Senior Bowl showing has a great chance to substantially boost his draft stock.
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After throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns last season, Nussmeier's 2025 campaign was hindered by injuries. He battled an abdominal issue throughout the season, with the injury cutting his senior season short. His LSU career didn't end in ideal fashion, but so far, Nussmeier is making the most of his opportunities at the Senior Bowl.
Garrett Nussmeier is already turning heads at the Senior Bowl
On Day 1, Nussmeier turned heads by leading all quarterbacks in several key metrics. The Lake Charles native posted the longest air distance (51.5 yards) and the fastest initial air speed (74.9 mph) of all QBs at the Senior Bowl.
Garrett Nussmeier’s day 1 ball metrics.
— 104.5 ESPN (@1045espn) January 28, 2026
Leads all QBs in longest air distance pass and fastest initial air speed 🏈 pic.twitter.com/roRZEd96xG
On Thursday, Nussmeier made some impressive throws operating a 2-minute drill. He connected with Malachi Fields, Ja'Kobi Lane, Lewis Bond, and Ted Hurst. The veteran gunslinger was getting the ball out quick with accuracy, navigated the pocket well, and even extended plays with his legs showing some elusivity.
Garrett Nussmeier ends his day with a couple of nice completions in the 2-minute drill. Connects here with Malachi Fields, Ja’Kobi Lane, Lewis Bond, and Ted Hurst. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/kw0Z2HxFBQ
— Evan K Harris (@EkhSports) January 30, 2026
One of Nussmeier's best Senior Bowl moments thus far came on a brilliant back-shoulder throw to Barion Brown. Brown was LSU's leading receiver in 2025, as he hauled in 53 catches for 532 yards and a touchdown.
Garrett Nussmeier pass to Barion Brown at the senior bowl pic.twitter.com/Yb5Nf4SFvy
— Jeff DePalma (@JeffreyDePalma) January 29, 2026
While Nussmeier's collegiate career ended in underwhelming fashion, he still leaves Baton Rouge as one of the most prolific passers in LSU Football history. Nussmeier ranks 3rd in passing yards (7,699), 4th in touchdowns (52), and 2nd in completions (660) in LSU history.
After entering the 2025 season as a Heisman favorite and widely regarded as a potential First Round pick, Nussmeier is now viewed as a Day 2 pick. But his strong start at the Senior Bowl bodes well for raising his draft stock. While he will most likely hear his name called at some point following Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson, Nussmeier could battle to be the 3rd quarterback off the board when the NFL Draft comes around in April.
No matter where he ends up, Tiger fans will be cheering him on throughout his NFL career.