The annual Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama gives aspiring NFL players the chance to showcase their skills directly to NFL teams with the goal of raising their draft stock. That's exactly what LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier did this past weekend.
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After an injury-riddled senior season, Nussmeier entered the 2026 Senior Bowl with a lot to gain. His final season at LSU didn't end the way he wanted, but Nussmeier set out to impress NFL organziations at the Senior Bowl. Looking to prove he can return to his 2024 form where he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, Nussmeier put forth an MVP performance that undoubtedly boosted his draft stock.
Garrett Nussmeier wins Senior Bowl MVP
On Day 1 down in Mobile, Nussmeier led all quarterbacks in several key metrics during throwing drills, including posting the longest air distance (51.5 yards) and the fastest initial air speed (74.9 mph) of all QBs at the Senior Bowl.
After putting on impressive performances in practices and drills on Friday, Nussmeier earned Senior Bowl MVP honors by throwing for 57 yards and a touchdown. He led the American team to two scoring drives en route to a 17-9 victory. With his eye-popping week in Mobile, Nussmeier undoubtedly boosted his draft stock ahead of April's NFL Draft.
Garrett Nussmeier is your 2026 Panini Senior Bowl MVP 🏆#TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/SRP96bgxZc
— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 31, 2026
Nussmeier entered the 2025 season as a projected First Round pick, with some media outlets even listing him as a potential top-5 pick. However, Nussmeier's injury-filled senior campaign hindered his performance and ultimately sidelined him for LSU's final three regular season games as well as the Texas Bowl against Houston. He then slipped to a projected 2nd or 3rd round pick in mock drafts, but after his stellar showing at the Senior Bowl, is right back in the mix for the QB3 spot in the draft.
In the latest mock draft from Saturday Blitz, three quarterbacks are projected to be drafted in the First Round: Fernando Mendoza (No. 1 overall to the Raiders), Ty Simpson (No. 11 overall to the Dolphins), and Trinidad Chambliss (No. 21 overall to the Steelers). Nussmeier may not crack the First Round, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him go a bit earlier than previously expected.
He appears to be back to full health following his abdominal injury, which certainly bodes well for his NFL future. When he is 100% healthy, Nussmeier can be one of the best passers in the country.
Nussmeier's collegiate career ends with his name firmly among the all-time leaders in several major statistical categories in LSU Football history. Most notably, the Lake Charles native ranks 3rd in passing yards (7,699), 4th in touchdowns (52), and 2nd in completions (660) in LSU history.
The 2026 NFL Draft takes place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.